Frank Gatson, Jr.

Frank Gatson Jr. is an American director and choreographer. He is the creative director for En Vogue, Brandy, Muni Long, Tyrese Gibson, Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez. He also is Kelly Rowland's and Beyoncé's main creative director and choreographer, a position he has held since their tenure with Destiny's Child. He has also choreographed videos, routines and live performances for other artists including R. Kelly, Michael Jackson, TLC, En Vogue, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Fifth Harmony, Destiny's Child, Little Mix, Toni Braxton and Usher.

Early career

Gatson graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1980 and began dancing for Up with People, an organization that performing at various types of venues, including several Super Bowl halftime performances. Eventually, he worked his way up to official dance captain and began to manage the show itself. He later moved to New York to study at the Broadway Dance Center and Alvin Ailey Dance Center. After finishing his time at Ailey and Broadway Centers he returned to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and received a master's degree in Theatre and Dance. He received his first professional break when he danced in Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" video in 1988.

In 2016, Gatson hosted BET's Chasing Destiny alongside Kelly Rowland. The pair formed an R&B girl group called June's Diary which he managed. He was the manager for Luke James and Tyrese Gibson. Additionally, he served as choreographer for Disney's animated film Hercules, providing choreography for The Muses.

Work with En Vogue

Music videos 1992 "Giving Him Something He Can Feel" (as choreographer) 2012 "Feelin' Single" (as choreographer and dancer)

Tours and live performances Down Low Top Secret Tour (1996) (as director and choreographer) 39th Annual Grammy Awards (1998) (as choreographer) Get Up on a Room Tour (1999) (as director and choreographer) No Way Out Tour with Puff Daddy (1998) (as director and choreographer) TP-2.COM Tour (2001) (as choreographer) 2005 MTV Video Music Awards (2005) (as choreographer) 2015 Soul Train Music Awards (2015) (as choreographer) The Buffet Tour (2016) (as director and choreographer)

Work with Beyoncé

Music videos 2003 "Crazy in Love" (featuring Jay-Z) (as choreographer) "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" (as creative director and choreographer) "If I Were a Boy" (as a choreographer) "Diva" (as a choreographer) "Run the World (Girls)" (as choreographer) "Countdown" (as choreographer)

Tours and live performances The Beyoncé Experience (2007) (as show director, creative director and choreographer) I Am... World Tour (2009) (as director, creative director and choreographer) Super Bowl XLVII halftime show (2013) (as creative director and choreographer) The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour (2013) (as director, creative director and choreographer)

Commercials True Star (2004) Samsung (2007) Armani Diamonds (2007) American Express (2007) L'Oréal (2007) L'Oréal (2003) (with Jennifer Lopez) Stella Rosa (2022) (with Brandy Norwood)

Source:

Work with Usher Music videos 1997 "You Make Me Wanna..." (as choreographer) 1997 "My Way" (as choreographer) 2001 "U Remind Me" (as choreographer) 2008 "Love in This Club" (as choreographer and creative director) 2008 "Moving Mountains" (as creative director)

Tours and live performances Share My World Tour (with Mary J. Blige) (1997) (creative director) No Way Out Tour (with Puff Daddy) (1997) (as choreographer) 8701 Promo Tour (2001) (creative director) One Night, One Star: Usher Live (2005) (as choreographer)

Accolades