Despite this difficult start to life, Madonna showed an early interest in music and dance, and she began taking ballet classes at a young age. In 1978, Madonna moved to New York City to pursue her dream of becoming a professional dancer. She worked odd jobs to support herself, including a stint as a waitress at Dunkin' Donuts, while taking dance classes and auditioning for roles. It was during this time that she met musician Stephen Bray, who would become one of her closest collaborators. In 1981, Madonna formed her first band, the Breakfast Club, with Bray and two other musicians. The band attracted the attention of record labels, and Madonna signed a contract with Sire Records in 1982. Her self-titled debut album was released the following year and included the hits "Holiday" and "Lucky Star." Madonna's second album, "Like a Virgin," was released in 1984 and catapulted her to superstardom.
