If you're wondering why Dr. Mae Jemison looks so graceful and poised in zero gravity, it's thanks to years and years of ballet.

Growing up, she wanted to be a scientist, astronaut and a professional dancer.

By age 30, she had a chemical engineering degree from Stanford, a medical degree (M.D.) from Cornell, a 2-year stint with the Peace Corps, and Alvin Ailey dance training under her multi-faceted belt.

In 1987, Mae applied to, and joined, NASA's astronaut program. Five years later, she blasted off aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour, for an 8-day mission in outer space.