I accidentally stumbled across this clip of Madonna making a very early (1983) appearance at the fabled Danceteria nightclub in New York. It’s a wonder more people haven’t looked at this clip—just 4k as I write this. Must be one of the earliest Madonna performances out there (according to Wikipedia it was her first, but I’m not sure I believe that). She used to work at Danceteria in the coat check. This is from a weekly talent show/cabaret night there that was called “No Entiendes” hosted by Howie Montaug.

Boy am I getting old.

Article about Madonna that mentions Danceteria

Definitely early, but hard to believe it was her first performance when she was introduced as a Sire recording artist. For most artists at least a few performances come before getting a contract.

It is also an interesting clip because it shows how hard it is to be a cameraman and tend bar simultaneously.

Nowhere near her first performance.  I remember when she used to lipsync to her own self produced recordings at The Pyramid Club to polite applause.