For a period, she performed under the name Felia Sidorova, adopting the Russian-sounding identity common among ballet performers of the era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Infectious Diseases<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eventually, however, she became Cyd Charisse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Born Tula Ellice Finklea on March 8, 1922, in Amarillo, Texas, the future Hollywood star didn\u2019t begin life looking destined to become one of cinema\u2019s most celebrated dancers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Infectious Diseases<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She was a thin, physically fragile child who suffered from serious health problems, including polio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her parents turned to ballet partly as a way of strengthening her body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI was skinny, and it looked like a good way to build me up,\u201d she later recalled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Film & TV Industry<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What began as something therapeutic quickly became something much bigger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The nickname that eventually became part of her famous stage name also originated during childhood. Her older brother reportedly had difficulty pronouncing \u201cSis\u201d and called her \u201cSid\u201d instead. The spelling was eventually transformed into the more distinctive \u201cCyd.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Musical Films<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By adolescence, it was clear that Charisse possessed exceptional ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She trained seriously in ballet, studying with respected teachers and eventually expanding her experience internationally. She spent time training in Los Angeles and also pursued dance<\/a> in Europe, including London and Paris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a period, she performed under the name Felia Sidorova, adopting the Russian-sounding identity common among ballet performers of the era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Infectious Diseases<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eventually, however, she became Cyd Charisse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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