Story & Lesson Highlights with Richard ‘Swagg’ Curtis IV of Los Angeles

We recently had the chance to connect with Richard ‘Swagg’ Curtis IV and have shared our conversation below.

Swagg, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I’m being called to step fully into visibility and leadership in a way I wasn’t ready for before. For a long time, I felt more comfortable letting my work speak for me showing up, dancing, executing, and moving on. There was a fear around being seen beyond the performance, around taking up space as a voice, not just a body.
Now I feel called to lead creatively, to trust my perspective, and to share more of who I am not just what I can do. I’m learning that visibility isn’t about ego, it’s about responsibility. When you’re given a platform, you’re meant to use it with intention, and I’m finally allowing myself to step into that without shrinking or second guessing it.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Richard Curtis IV, but most people know me as Swagg. I’m a professional dancer, choreographer, and creative originally from Oakland, California, now based in Los Angeles. Movement has always been my first language, and over time it’s become the foundation for a broader creative practice rooted in energy, intention, and storytelling. I’m known for my ‘full-out’ and high-energy approach whether that’s through performance, choreography, or the way I show up creatively.
My journey has allowed me to work across music, fashion, television, and film. I’ve performed in Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty Fashion Show Volumes 3 and 4, alongside artists like Missy Elliott, Childish Gambino, Nicki Minaj, and Janet Jackson, and appeared in projects ranging from music videos to television and streaming platforms. At the same time, I’ve remained deeply connected to the dance community collaborating with and learning from choreographers across the Bay Area and Los Angeles who have shaped not only my movement, but my perspective as a leader.
In 2019, I created a viral dance called the Swaggbouncee, which took on a life of its own across social media, music videos, and commercials. Seeing something that came from pure expression travel the world reminded me of the power of authenticity. That same spirit has taken me internationally to teach, perform, and connect with dancers and creatives across different cultures.
What makes my story unique is that I’ve never separated who I am from what I do. Every era of my life has informed my artistry. Right now, I’m focused on stepping more fully into creative leadership expanding my voice beyond performance, continuing to mentor and teach, and building long-term partnerships that align with my values. I’m interested in work that feels honest, elevated, and purposeful, and in creating spaces where people feel empowered to be fully themselves

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that has served its purpose is the version of myself that felt the need to constantly prove my worth. For a long time, I led with over-delivering saying yes, pushing through, and measuring my value by how much I could do or endure. That mindset helped get me here, but it’s no longer aligned with where I’m going.
I’m learning to release the idea that my value comes from being everywhere or doing everything. Now, I’m choosing discernment, rest, and intention. Trusting that what’s meant for me doesn’t require exhaustion or force has been a powerful shift. Letting go of that old survival energy has created space for clarity, creativity, and leadership rooted in purpose rather than pressure

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that has held me back the most has been the fear of not living up to my own expectations. I’ve always held myself to a high standard, and for a long time that turned into a fear of fully trying because trying meant risking failure, disappointment, or feeling like my work wasn’t creative, original, or innovative enough.
There were moments where it felt safer to stay in motion rather than sit with the possibility of falling short. That fear showed up as hesitation second-guessing ideas, holding back parts of myself, or waiting until something felt ‘perfect’ before sharing it.
What I’ve learned is that growth doesn’t come from avoiding failure, it comes from trusting the process. Releasing that fear has allowed me to create more freely, lead more confidently, and show up with intention rather than pressure. I’m learning that my voice doesn’t need to be perfect it just needs to be honest.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
There’s a belief that you have to constantly be visible to be valuable. In reality, some of the most impactful work happens off-camera training, building relationships, and evolving as an artist when no one’s watching.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace in the comfort of my own home. It’s where I can slow down, reset, and reconnect with myself without any outside noise or expectations.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Richswagg.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoitswagg/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yoitswagg
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LilRichHipHopPrince

Image Credits
@Smazistudios @Jaayrashawn