Celebrity Coverage
Kendrick Lamar’s Choreographer on Hair Discrimination in Dance – Essence
Courtesy of Charm La’Donna
Hair discrimination appears in more spaces than we’d think. This includes all the pieces from Venus Williams beads considered “disturbance“in 1999, swimming caps for individuals with black hair were banned by the Olympic Games (then overthrown), and unsolicited debates on gymnast Simone Biles’ departures. These injustices have been an unfair barrier to black women in sports since we got the chance to compete. But it doesn’t stop there.
Ballet that has history being mostly all white, has probably the most overt examples of texturalism in dance. “You have to have your hair pulled back, no matter what you do,” choreographer and inventive director La’Donna’s Charm says ESSENCE. “[My hair] wouldn’t necessarily be as clever as the rest of them would be clever.”
Known for her work with artists akin to Rosalía, Dua Lipa and the newest “They don’t love us”La’Donna’s path to success was not as clear-cut as expected.
At the age of three, she was enrolled in dance classes, and at age 10, she began to take into consideration a profession in the game. However, it was not until highschool, when she began intensively practicing ballet, that she noticed the influence of texture.
“I used to wear braids a lot, and in ballet class it was a little harder to do a bun,” she says, which is a strict standard of beauty in a dance form. “I never ironed my hair because it was always sweating.”
Because of that, she’s still attempting to work out how discrimination has affected her over time. “To be completely honest, now that we’re talking about it, I hadn’t really thought about it until now,” she says.
Between hair anxiety over sweating from the silk press and the problem of tying her braids right into a bun, “I thought I always had to have extensions on my head to keep my hair straight.”
Even though she has been out of college for over a decade, the issue is much from solved. “Everyone says, [dancers] “They need to braid their hair or they need to match it to someone else,” she says.
Now a choreographer, she uses her platform to assist other black women avoid the hair discrimination she experienced. “I just had a job where a dancer told me she could wear her natural hair for the first time in 15 years.”
“The insecurity I felt about my hair after I was younger made me firstly: accept it, find it irresistible, and secondly: take into consideration other women who may need the identical hair. [concerns] that I had,” she says, advocating for black hair on set and behind the scenes. “I’m actually capable of help other black women who’re dancers come to terms with their hair, too.”
Celebrity Coverage
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 predicted 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 Nineteen 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 have a look at 17 of the perfect celebrity beauty moments from the week below.
Celebrity Coverage
Black artists shine with 2024 Christmas albums – Essence
This holiday season, a few of the most talented Black music artists are reimagining the sounds of Christmas. From the soulful sounds of gospel legends to the contemporary kind of rising stars, these albums offer something for everybody who wants so as to add splendor to their celebrations. Whether it’s fresh takes on timeless classics, moving original songs, or reissues of beloved favorites, these projects bring joy, warmth and a way of community to everyone.
Jennifer Hudson makes her holiday debut with a track that mixes powerful vocals and heartfelt melodies. CeCe Winans brings a spiritual touch and Coco Jones adds her unique talent. Celebrating her thirtieth anniversary, Mariah Carey returns to the zeitgeist, and the reissue of Boyz II Men offers the right, cozy soundtrack.
As you decorate the halls and meet your family members, let these albums fill your space with music that uplifts, inspires and sets the right holiday mood. Here’s a more in-depth have a look at Black artists bringing joy to the world with their Christmas 2024 releases.
Celebrity Coverage
Let Anok Yai’s spiky bun inspire your holiday hair look – the essence
Images by Dave Benett/Getty
Earlier this week, Model of the Year nominee Anok Yai appeared at the Fashion Awards gala at London’s Royal Albert Hall. And regardless that the night ended there controversial joke for this yr’s award, the look of her hair stood out, as did her skilled achievements.
Paired with an archival John Galliano gown from 1994, her hairstyle was as avant-garde as the supermodels of the day – and was the most groundbreaking look of the night. On the foundation, a pixie cut with micro-mushrooms framed her sculpted features, and the sides stopped just at the tip of her eyebrows.
However, the summit took an unexpected turn. Almost like a headdress, straight, long strands gathered at the top of the head, overlapping right into a bow. The look was romantic and evoked the essence of Mugler’s Alien Hypersense, of which it’s the face. “I carry a bottle in every purse, it’s an addiction” Yai said in front of the red carpet.
The iconic outfit was repeated by Rihanna, who two days later arrived in an identical style at the thirty eighth annual Footwear Awards Gala in New York. With slight moderation – longer, blunt bangs and full updo – hairdresser Nafia Biała used an identical technique. Could this be the hottest hair trend of the season? These two icons actually suggest that.
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