Top 10 Iconic Dances Surprisingly Choreographed by the Same Person

Richy Jackson
After getting his start in the industry as a dancer, Ricky Jackson found his footing when he joined Lady Gagas team as an assistant choreographer. As a duo, he and Laurieann Gibson brought some of the stars biggest hits to life. In 2011, Jackson took over as principal choreographer, continuing Gagas out-of-the-box visuals with music videos like Applause. So, while Karma might feel random, it isnt. Jackson actually first met JoJo Siwa on Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition. Years later, she tapped him to create a head-turning routine for her rebrand. And just like that, the viral head-banging choreography was born.

Marguerite Derricks
Originally, Marguerite Derricks was set to be a go-go dancer in the first Austin Powers film. However, thanks to her vision for the opening sequence, her choreography became an iconic hallmark of the franchise. On the heels of the groovy movie and a famous go-go Gap commercial, Derricks launched an award-winning career in film and television. Shes the genius behind some of cinemas most iconic dance scenes, including the beloved performance in the Oscar-winning Little Miss Sunshine. In fact, she pitched the idea that instead of a pageant routine, Olive should perform the age-inappropriate moves her grandfather taught her.

Charm La'Donna
In 2024, Kendrick Lamar took things to the next level with Not Like Us, but it was longtime collaborator Charm La'Donna who brought his storytelling to life. From the Grammy-winning music video to Lamars Super Bowl halftime show, she expertly pays homage to their shared Compton roots. However, this isnt the only smash hit on her resumé. A decade earlier, the choreographer gave Meghan Trainor her popstar moment with All About That Bass. Though youd never connect the bubblegum pink scenes to the green room in Squabble Up, its clear LaDonna has a knack for catchy choreographies.

Anthony Thomas
When imagining the visuals for her 1989 album, Janet Jackson knew she wanted to create something powerful and unexpected. Looking to resonate with the youth, she tapped Anthony Thomas to choreograph her long-form video. The huge success of Rhythm Nation propelled him from an under-the-radar dancer to an award-winning and culture-shaping artist. A few years later, Disney wanted to give their character Powerline in A Goofy Movie the popstar treatment. Thomas was a natural choice to choreograph, and his moves were also reportedly captured and translated into animation to create those iconic dancing scenes.

Tina Landon
Award-winning choreographer Tina Landon has worked with everyone from Rihanna and Jay-Z to Janet and Michael Jackson. Shes responsible for so many memorable music video dances from the 90s and 2000s, including Britney Spears intergalactic performance of Oops!I Did It Again. However, her work in the cult classic White Chicks shows she can deliver humour as well. Youd never guess that Marlon and Shawn Wayans hilarious moves come from the same mind who choreographed Britney, Shakira and Christina Aguilera. But theres no debating that the dance-off scene is comedy gold.

Parris Goebel
After capturing the worlds attention as a dancer, Parris Goebel made her mark by choreographing one of YouTubes most-viewed videos. Originally, her crew was set to make a lyric video for Justin Biebers Sorry, but their performance was so impressive that it was released as a dance video. The New Zealand choreographer combines Polynesian influence with DanceHall, Hip Hop, and an incredible attention to detail. Rihanna can attest. The two had collaborated before staging the singers Super Bowl comeback, where once again, Goebels distinctive choreography took the world by storm.

Mandy Moore
An Emmy-winning choreographer who is well established in film and television, Mandy Moore is best known for her show-stopping scenes in La La Land. In the opening traffic jam turned all-out dance number, Moore puts on a masterclass in elevating everyday movements into narrative choreography. So how did she end up working with Taylor Swift? Turns out we have Emma Stone to thank for connecting the two. Moore was then able to bring her own expertise to the tour, transforming Swifts concert into a cinematic experience.Together, they brought each era to life with eye-catching stagings and storytelling performances.

Vincent Paterson
After working with Michael Jackson as a dancer and assistant choreographer, the Smooth Criminal short film was a project where Vincent Paterson could take the reins. As Jackson continued to add in more dancers and more music, Patersons outside the box thinking led to a series of iconic moments, including the famous lean. His bold ideas carried over into his work with Madonna, who had originally planned to perform Vogue at the 1990 VMAs with gender-bent clothing. However, Paterson suggested the fans, wigs, and hoop skirts that made the Marie Antoinette number a standout.

Aakomon Jones
From getting his start touring with Monica and TLC to becoming Ushers creative director, Aakomon Jones has done it all. Hes even behind the moves in some of your favorite films, including the Pitch Perfect franchise. Jones was brought in for the casts a capella boot camp, and his iconic choreography takes the comedy to the next level. From the Barden Bellas to Wakanda, Jones then got connected to Marvel through Chadwick Boseman, who hed previously worked with on Get On Up. Boseman personally requested he help bring the tribal movements to life, and the thrilling waterfall scenes prove the choreographers talent has no limits.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Bankhead Boasts an Impressive Resumé of Pop & R&B Girl Hits

Sims Had the World Dancing to Iconic Scenes

Heffington Spins Compelling Narratives with These Unique Choreographies

Beyoncés Long-Time Collaborator Has Choreographed Decades of Hits

Robinson Has Shaped Culture with Her Well-Known Routines for the Biggest Stars

Christopher Scott
While the world fell in love with Christopher Scotts incredible choreography in Wicked, this wasnt his first Jon M. Chu collaboration. The two had worked together on projects like the Step Up films and In the Heights before taking on the 2024 musical blockbuster. Even before that, Scott choreographed some of Disney Channels biggest musicals from Lemonade Mouth to the Teen Beach Movie franchise. Hes best known for his large ensemble numbers, but they arent just for show. He focuses on the all-important details, making sure his routines weave into the storytelling as naturally as possible.


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