In 1977, Madonna's career (under
the encouragement of Christopher Flynn) would lead her to the big
apple (New York) where she would seek her fortune as a professional
dancer. Of
this move, Madonna has been quoted at saying, upon her arrival,
'When I came to New York it was the first time I'd ever taken a
plane, the first time I've ever gotten a taxi-cab, the first time
for everything. And I came here with $35.00 in my pocket. It was
the bravest thing I'd ever done.'
Throughout this time, Madonna would suffer all the financial
instability that normally comes with someone starting out in
her profession and she found herself living off her wits (and
the kindness of friends and lovers), and taking a number of low-paying
jobs to make ends meet. There were even occasions when she would
model nude (something that would hold a dark cloud over her otherwise
prosperous future).
While she was scratching to survive the big apple, Madonna studied
with Martha Graham (a modern dance legend) as well as Pearl Lang.
She would later perform with several modern dance companies,
such as Alvin Ailey (an African American modern dancer and choreographer
who founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.) and the
Walter Nicks Dancers (a Finnish and American (U.S. born) modern
dancer and choreographer and a teacher of Jazz dance and Dunham
technique.)
In 1979, while on world tour, Madonna met and became romantically
involved with musician Dan Gilory while performing as a dancer
for disco star Patrick Hernanzez. Patrick would help to start
Madonna's first rock band, 'The Breakfast Club' with whom she
played drums before later doing vocals and playing guitar.
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