Not published in LIFE: Marilyn Monroe, 22, takes dance lessons, Hollywood, 1949. (J.R. Eyerman—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images)

Not published in LIFE: Marilyn Monroe, 22, takes dance lessons, Hollywood, 1949. Her instructor is Nico Charisse, ex-husband of the actress and dancer, Cyd Charisse. (J.R. Eyerman—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images)

Not published in LIFE: Marilyn Monroe, 22, takes lessons with acting coach, Natasha Lytess, Hollywood, 1949. (J.R. Eyerman—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images)

Not published in LIFE: Marilyn Monroe, 22, takes singing lessons with bandleader Phil Moore at the famous West Hollywood nightclub, the Mocambo, in 1949. (J.R. Eyerman—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images)

Not published in LIFE: Marilyn Monroe, 22, takes singing lessons with bandleader Phil Moore at the famous West Hollywood nightclub, the Mocambo, in 1949. (J.R. Eyerman—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images)

Not published in LIFE: Marilyn Monroe, 22, takes singing lessons with bandleader Phil Moore at the famous West Hollywood nightclub, the Mocambo, in 1949. (J.R. Eyerman—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images)

Not published in LIFE: Marilyn Monroe at age 22, Hollywood, 1949. (J.R. Eyerman—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images)

With the approaching 50th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe's death, LIFE.com presents a selection of LIFE photographer J. R. Eyerman’s rare photos of the young actress in 1949 as she studied with three coaches: bandleader Phil Moore (singing); dance instructor, and the ex-husband of the great Cyd Charisse, Nico Charisse (ballet); and a one-time European stage star, Natasha Lytess, who would serve as Monroe’s acting coach until the mid-1950s.