Job: Los Angeles-based Fatima has mapped the music moves of Whitney Houston and Mary J. Blige. Now she's choreographing the Backstreet Boys' 1998 world tour.

Accidental Discovery: "My greatest love has always been dancing, but I had no formal training--I just club-hopped at night. Director John Singleton cast me as an extra in Boyz N the Hood after spotting me at a dance contest. Then he asked me to choreograph a Michael Jackson video, and I've worked non-stop since."
 
Mapping Her Moves: "First I really listen to the song--what it reveals about the tone and mood--then I mix my ideas with the artist's, director's, and producer's concepts."

Proudest Moment: "Rapper Dr. Dre asked me to create a tango-theme video for his song, 'Been There, Done That.' I bluffed and said I could do it--then ran out to every Latin club in L.A. The video ended up winning an award."

Success Secret: "Don't let anyone intimidate you."