Entertainment
Meet Charm La’Donna, the choreographer behind Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” music video – Andscape
In the world of dance, where rhythm and artistry meet, Charm La’Donna stands out. A seasoned choreographer and artist, La’Donna has collaborated with musicians like rappers Dr. Dre and Lil Baby, in addition to singers Dua Lipa, Selena Gomez, Meghan Trainor, The Weeknd and more. Behind her success is a story of determination and a desire to create an area where others can shine. La’Donna’s passion for dance is clear in how she talks about her profession and the way her eyes light up when asked about her journey. But it wasn’t easy.
“Sometimes (my) male colleagues get paid more than me, even though I know I’m capable and have the same resume. There are times when I’m the only black person, let alone a woman, in the room — and I’m proud of that,” La’Donna said of her entertainment industry experience. “A lot of people ask if I’ve ever felt imposter syndrome. I say no, because I know I belong there. I put in the work, the hours, and I’m dedicated to my craft.”
For the Compton, California-based artist, collaborating with rapper Kendrick Lamar on his concert, “Not like us”the music video and representing my city felt like a closing circle.
“Something about being with Kendrick and being home just hits different. I’m just filled with joy all the time,” La’Donna said.
In a recent interview with Andscape’s Rhoden Fellows podcast, La’Donna spoke about her profession, inspirations, challenges she’s faced in the industry, and dreams for the future.
How did you get the opportunity to work with Kendrick Lamar?
I’ve been working with Kendrick for about 10 years now. My mentor, Fatima RobinsonI began working with him once I was helping her. As our relationship grew, we just began vibrating. And then I began choreographing for him.
Could you tell us a bit about your creative process in the context of choreography?
I hope it isn’t a cliché to say that: I do what I feel. I never create anything before I get into the room. I at all times create only in real-time points because that is where I get my inspiration from—what’s happening in real time. Sometimes getting into with a plan of what you’re thinking that should occur can block your creativity since you’re trying to determine one thing that in your mind should work that way and sometimes it doesn’t. I bear in mind what the artist feels and what the dancers feel. So I’d say it’s about the real-time space.
Who has been your biggest inspiration during your journey?
Well, I’ll say my mother. She was a lady, amongst many in my life, who pushed me and inspired me to be myself and to attack every dream. I cannot tell my story without mentioning Fatima Robinson and her influence on my life since I used to be 10 years old.
My grandmother passed away last 12 months. I remember not knowing what my purpose was or how I used to be going to do it. She at all times kept me grounded and jogged my memory, “You are exactly where you are supposed to be.” Those are my predominant inspirations.
As a black woman working in your industry, have you ever encountered any difficulties?
100%. I’ll say that I used to be fortunate and blessed to have a mentor, Fatima Robinson, who can also be one other black woman, who has opened plenty of doors for me, and while she has opened some doors, there are doors that I even have needed to open alone. I’m fighting for what I deserve.
I’ve done all the pieces I can to arrange myself to walk right into a room, and all I even have to do is walk in there like God sent me. There were situations and things that were said, but nothing will stop me, and I actually imagine that nothing will stop us. As one door closes, I open five more for the girl behind me.
What motivates you to beat difficulties?
It’s knowing my talents and loving every aspect of what I do. It’s getting a message from a lady saying, “Charm, you inspired me.” It’s watching videos of little girls taking a look at my work and dancing; they’ve someone who looks like them to emulate. I’m so blissful and grateful that I get to do what I really like and make a living. I put my heart into it and I do not take anything without any consideration. But there are days once I just don’t desire to stand up. I’ve lived my whole life in survival mode. Sometimes I even have to stop and tell myself that I’ve made it, stop surviving and begin living, because I’m still going.
For a protracted time, I didn’t know the best way to say no because I assumed if I said no, I used to be missing out. So now I’m in a spot where I’m really living and appreciating all the pieces I do—the things that keep me going.
What is your most satisfying memory thus far?
It’s hard to pinpoint one moment, but every project and artist I’ve worked with has been fulfilling in its own way. I’m just in awe of how we will explore art—whether it’s acting at the Super Bowl during the week or connecting with artists from different backgrounds.
I’m from Compton. And there is a connection between Kendrick and me, coming from where we’re from. But connecting with other artists from different places and having the ability to help bring their vision to life is admittedly necessary to me. I find little things in every project. You know. I used to be capable of choreograph the Super Bowl during COVID-19. We were capable of try this in every week. In every project, each time I feel like I can not do something, I can do it.
You’ve already achieved a lot in your profession. What’s your end goal?
I would like to have a nonprofit with dance. I would like to do more directing, more filmmaking, more bringing dance stories to life otherwise, and more writing. I’m an art kid. I really like all of that. I just see myself continually evolving. I still mentor. I herald young, aspiring choreographers or simply young girls to my team. Some of my girls have turn out to be assistant managers and so they do all of those things simply to be around, and that is what I would like to do on a distinct level.
Entertainment
An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit
Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.
Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”
She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.
Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.
On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”
One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.
Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.
Jeff Bezos’ fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, cropped a photograph of him in a jumpsuit and then set Instagram on fire with her look.https://t.co/n7YNGctQFE pic.twitter.com/DNKP2i9o9C
— Sean Joseph (@sjoseph_sports) December 2, 2024
When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.
Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”
Lauren Sanchez 2003 vs. Lauren Sanchez 2024
Nothing to see here, people, move on#LaurenSanchez pic.twitter.com/mgr4vj6mFq
— Occam was right (@OccamWasRight) November 21, 2024
Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”
Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.
Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.
Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.
Entertainment
Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape
India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.
“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”
Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.
Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.
Name:
India Shawn
Hometown:
Los Angeles
Artistic soundscape
Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric
The oldest musical memory
Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.
Influences
For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.
Creative process
Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”
Challenges and development
As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”
Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.
Current project
“There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”
Entertainment
ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence
With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.
Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.
From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.
In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.
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