Fame

There have definitely been some incredibly famous choreographers over the years: Martha Graham, Alvin Ailey, Jerome Robbins, George Balanchine, Bob Fosse, Merce Cunningham, and Isadora Duncan. We could keep listing names, but we think you probably get the picture.

There are a good number of choreographers who enjoyed thrilling lives of fabulous fame. Your average Joe who doesn't give a flip about dance might not know who these people are, but to those in the know, certain choreographers are like the shining demigods of the arts world.

There's an even larger number of choreographers who might never do anything quite innovative enough to make it into the history books, but that still have totally solid and satisfying careers. These types are probably known within the industry and get props from their peers, which is nothing to sniff at.

The sad truth, however, is that there's an even larger number of choreographers who nobody's ever heard of...like, at all. Maybe their grandma showed up to a thing they choreographed one time, but she thought it was weird and tries to avoid the topic at Thanksgiving.

Just like with any other artistic pursuit, it's tough to break through as a choreographer. Be prepared to die in obscurity; it's just part of the risk you take when you decide to dance your way into this arena.