MADONNA = Celebration
There are few artists that have transcended cultures, languages and musical genres like Madonna has over her brilliant 30-year career. Join us as we celebrate Madonna's life and career on your Dance Express Spotlight this week.

Madonna is much more than a musician or dancer, she's possibly one of the world's greatest pop icons of all time. According to Rolling Stone magazine, Madonna is the highest-earning female singer in the world, and her recent "Sticky & Sweet Tour" became the highest grossing concert tour by a solo artist. The pop icon had a remarkable year in 2008, and aside from her tour success she also surpassed Elvis Presley as the artists with the most top ten hits in the history of Billboard's Hot 100. As if the previous two accomplishments were not enough, last year Madonna was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Madonna's entire professional life has been filled with record-breaking accomplishments and awards for her artistic prowess as a musician, dancer, singer and actress.

Madonna was raised in a Catholic home and lost her mother when she was only five. Her mother's death significantly affected Madonna's adolescence. Haunted by the memories of her mother's frailty and passive demeanor during her final days, Madonna was determined to make her own voice heard. "I think the biggest reason I was able to express myself and not be intimidated was by not having a mother," she says. "For example, mothers teach you manners. And I absolutely did not learn any of those rules and regulations."

In 1977, Madonna was awarded a six-week scholarship to study with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York City, followed by a rare opportunity to perform with choreographer Pearl Lang in 1978. At the urging of her dance instructor, the budding star dropped out of college to move to New York and further her dance career.

Once in New York, Madonna began dating Dan Gilroy, one of the founding members of a ska influenced pop-punk band called Breakfast Club. After performing with Gilroy's band, Madonna formed several different bands of her own over the next few years, including Madonna & The Sky, The Millionaires and Emmy. Now, 30 years later, Madonna's releasing her final album under Warner Brothers titled "Celebration" and it's the ultimate compilation of Madonna songs. Take a listen to the title track "Celebration" and celebrate with her millions of devoted fans around the world!
by Victor Caballero