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.