Richard Jackson

Who is Richard Jackson?

Richard "Richy" Jackson is a dancer, creative director, and choreographer best known for his work with Lady Gaga. Jackson had a lifelong interest in dance, and after seeing a school friend dancing for Aaliyah on television, Jackson left studies at Tuskegee University in 1999 and moved to Los Angeles to pursue dance as a career.

Jackson has danced for several artists including Missy Elliott and Usher, and was an assistant choreographer to award-winning choreographer Michael Rooney. Jackson later worked as an assistant choreographer to Laurieann Gibson, choreographing and dancing for Lady Gaga as well as for artists including Keri Hilson, Brandy, Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, and Sean "Puffy" Combs. In November 2011, Lady Gaga ended her professional relationship with Gibson and appointed Jackson as her choreographer and visual director.

In 2012 Jackson served as visual director and choreographer for Lady Gaga's Born This Way Ball tour and featured as a judge on Lifetime television's Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition. Jackson also has dance credits in several films and television commercials.

Jackson is known to his fans as "Richy Squirrel" and is a very active Twitter contributor.