Mother knew I had to be channeled. At 16, I auditioned for the School of American Ballet. And this tall, blond dancer came running from the audition room screaming, “I can’t!” If she couldn’t, how could I? I was short, brown and nervous as hell, but my teacher said, “Just stay in your own lane and look straight ahead.” And I got in. One step, one plié, led to another—and, ultimately, Broadway.