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.

Discography