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I was a dancer for many years. I was a premier dancer with 'Porgy and Bess,' the opera. And I taught dance some, in different places.

My first mentor and inspiration was my Irish Dancing teacher Patricia Mulholland. She created her own form of dance known as Irish ballet and created stage productions of old Irish myths and legends. They were my first experiences on stage. She told my mum I was destined for the stage, and I took that as my cue.

I used to dance when I was younger - ballet and modern dance.

I've studied a lot of great people over the years - Pete Seeger, James Brown - and tried to incorporate elements that I've admired, though I can't say I dance like James.

I know how to waltz because I used to teach ballroom dancing when I was in high school.

When it came to the stylish and graceful art of ballroom dancing, my dad was a king of the clubs, a prowling tiger and a wonderfully natural mover.

I was a go-go dancer, too. I called myself 'Grace Mendoza' to fool my parents.

I was a dancer, and my father was a dancer, so I really grew up in that environment.

I was a professional dancer before I was an actor.