Meet Charm La’Donna, the choreographer behind Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ video

In the world of dance, where rhythm and artistry meet, Charm La’Donna stands out. A veteran choreographer and artist, La’Donna has worked with musicians like rappers Dr. Dre and Lil Baby, and singers Dua Lipa, Selena Gomez, Meghan Trainor, The Weeknd, and others. Behind her success is a story of determination and a desire to create space for others to shine. La’Donna’s passion for dance is evident in how she talks about her career and how her eyes light up when asked about her journey. But it hasn’t been easy.

“Sometimes [my] counterparts get more than I do, even though I know I’m capable and have the same résumé. There are moments when I’m the only Black person, let alone woman, in the room — and I take pride in that,” La’Donna said of her experience in the entertainment industry. “Many ask if I’ve ever felt imposter syndrome. I say no because I know I belong there. I’ve put in the work, the hours, and dedicated myself to my craft.”

For the Compton, California native, working with rapper Kendrick Lamar on his concert, The Pop Out: Ken and Friends, the “Not Like Us” music video and representing their city felt like a full circle moment.

“Something about being with Kendrick and being home, it just hits differently. I’m just overwhelmed with joy all the time,” La’Donna said. 

In a recent interview on Andscape’s Rhoden Fellows podcast, La’Donna reflected on her career, her inspiration, the challenges she has faced in the industry, and her dreams for the future.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

How did you get the opportunity to work with Kendrick Lamar?

I’ve been working with Kendrick for about 10 years. My mentor, Fatima Robinson, first started working with him when I was assisting her. As our relationship grew, we just began to vibe. And then I started choreographing for him.

Can you walk us through your creative process when it comes to choreographing?

I hope this is not a cliché when I say this: I do what I feel. I never create anything before I walk into the room. I always create only in spots in real time because that’s where I draw my inspiration from — what’s happening in real time. Sometimes, going in with a plan of what you think should happen could block you in creativity because you’re trying to set that one thing that in your mind should work this way, and sometimes it doesn’t work like that. I take into consideration how the artist feels and how the dancers feel. So, I would tell you I’m all about space in real time.

Who has been your biggest inspiration throughout your journey?

Well, I will say my mom. She was the woman, amongst many in my life, who has pushed me and inspired me to be me, and to attack any and every dream. I can’t mention my story without mentioning Fatima Robinson and her impact on my life since I was 10.

My grandmother passed away last year. I remember not knowing what my purpose was or how I was going to do this. She would always keep me grounded and remind me, ‘You are exactly where you’re supposed to be.’ So those are my key inspirations.

As a Black woman in your field, have you faced any hardships?

100%. I will say I’ve been blessed and fortunate to be under a mentor, Fatima Robinson, who’s also another Black woman who’s opened a lot of doors for me, and even though there are some doors she’s opened, there are some doors I’ve had to open for myself. I fight for what I’m worth.

I’ve done everything to prepare myself to be in the room, and all I gotta do is walk in there like God sent me. There have been situations and things that have been said, but nothing stops me, and I truly believe nothing stops us. As one door closes, I open five more for the girl behind me.

What motivates you to keep going through hardships?

It’s knowing my gifts and loving every aspect of what I do. It’s getting the message from the girl saying, ‘Charm, you’ve inspired me. It’s getting videos of the little girls looking at my work and dancing; they have somebody who looks like them that they can emulate. I’m so blessed and grateful to do what I love and make a living. I pour my heart into it and don’t take any of it for granted. But there are days when I just don’t wanna get up. I’ve lived in survival mode my whole life. Sometimes, I’ve had to stop and tell myself that I’ve made it, stop surviving, and start living because I constantly go.

For a very long time, I didn’t know how to say no because I thought that if I said no, I was missing out. So now I’m in the space where I’m truly living, and I’m appreciative of everything I’m doing—those things that keep me going.

What has been the most fulfilling memory you’ve made thus far?

It’s hard to pinpoint one moment, but every project and artist I’ve collaborated with has been fulfilling in its own way. I’m just in awe of how we can explore art — whether it’s pulling off a Super Bowl performance in a week or connecting with artists from different backgrounds.

I’m from Compton. And there’s a connection between Kendrick and me, coming from where we come from. But, connecting with other artists from different places and being able to help execute their vision is very important to me. I find little things in every single project. You know. I was able to choreograph the Super Bowl during COVID-19. We pulled it off in a week. In every project, whenever I feel like I can’t do something, I can do it.

You’ve already accomplished so much in your career. What is your end goal?

I want to have a nonprofit with dance. I want to get into directing movies, making films, bringing dance stories to life in a different way, and writing. I’m a kid of the arts. I love it all. I just see myself forever growing. I still do my mentorships. I bring young, aspiring choreographers or just young girls to my team. Some of my girls have turned into assistant managers, and all these things just to be around, and that’s what I want to take on another level.