Cyd Charisse—born Tula Ellice Finklea in Amarillo, Texas—wasn’t destined for stardom. A sickly child, she took ballet after polio, and it transformed her body and life. Her brother’s nickname “Sis” evolved into “Cyd,” and soon Hollywood came calling. Charisse trained in Los Angeles and abroad, blending classical ballet lines with jazz fluidity. Film first found her through dance, not dialogue—uncredited...