CHARM LA’DONNA ADVISES ASPIRING DANCERS TO LEAN INTO THEIR CIRCLE FOR SUPPORT DURING CHALLENGING TIMES
Charm La’Donna has been dancing for as long as she could walk – and this talent has taken her a long way in life and she’s just getting started. From going on tour with Madonna while still in high school to working with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, we couldn’t wait to learn all about Charm and how she did it!
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
When did you first fall in love with dancing? Tell us your story.
I don’t know if there was an actual moment that I fell in love with dancing because I have always done it. My family will say I was performing from the time I could talk. My mom saw the talent I had and started me in dance classes young, like 3 or 4 years old, and it felt natural immediately. I started my professional career young as well, dancing in a music video when I was 10. Dance has always been a constant in my life and a sanctuary. Learning the art of dance and the power of expression has enabled me to fall deeper in love with my gift over and over again!
How did you go from admiring dance to going on tour with Madonna at 17 years old?
I started my career young and that is when I started working and learning from my mentor, Fatima Robinson. I auditioned for Madonna not knowing I was going to get it. It was like any other audition. I was still in high school at LACHSA, in class and my phone started going crazy. It was surreal.
But I am so grateful for that time. Madonna was adamant that I finished high school and studied while I was on the road, and I did. But what was magical, aside from working with a legend and several amazing dancers, was that this little girl from Compton, whose mom had to volunteer at the dance school just so she could take classes, was able to see the world.
You put yourself through college at UCLA while building your career as a choreographer. Take us back to this time in your life and talk about a significant memory from this time.
It was hard, and I mean really HARD. Balancing the schedule along with the schoolwork was overwhelming and there are times where I seriously considered quitting school and just focusing on my career. I told my friends, and everyone was like ‘what do we have to do to make sure you stay in school?’ They stood firm and encouraged me, helping me out where they could. They pushed me forward, but I would be lying if I said it was not a struggle.
What advice do you have for anyone reading this who’s looking to do the same?
Lean into your circle and do not be afraid to tell the people around you when you need help. Struggling through it alone will leave you discouraged; it is ok to reach out to your circle for support.
Many people may know of you from the various artists you’ve worked with like Dua Lipa, Kendrick Lamar and Lizzo – just to name a few. But what are a few challenging moments in your career you had to overcome on your journey?
Well, I would say that choreographing a whole Super Bowl halftime show for The Weeknd was definitely a challenge to overcome. A lot of the prep was done on Zoom, and we only had a short time to pull it all together. I had never been in that situation before and on the biggest performance on TV? It was stressful!
Another one would be the first time I was the lead choreographer and not an assistant on a project. It was for Selena Gomez, and I gladly was able to take the reins and develop the choreography. I really had to trust myself to execute and create something I was proud of. Aside from that, there have been injuries and situations along the way that have grown and stretched me as a dancer and a creative.
When you think about who you’d love to work with next, who are a few people that come to mind?
Oh, there are so many, and some of them work with choreographers I admire. I would say Beyoncé (of course), Rihanna, Halle Bailey. Also, I would love to do Broadway if the project is right.
What are 3 qualities you look for when choosing dancers to work with?
I look for dancers who are focused, have their own style and presence, and that are passionate about dance and the feeling we are trying to cultivate with our movement.
Talk to us about your non-profit that you are working on.
It is a work in progress, but it is centered on supporting dancers and creatives with classes, services, and other types of support to help them be successful. Being a creative is not an easy task and it can be discouraging at times. Community is necessary and supporting them is important to the future of the arts.
What are a few ways you pamper yourself after a long workday?
I am big on self-care. I start with a long shower or a bath to get the day off me. I love getting massages, getting a mani-pedi, and a great face mask. Then I turn on a good show and relax the day away.
Do you have an extensive diet and workout routine? What are a few things you eat daily and workouts to keep your body in shape?
I work out daily and do my best to have a clean diet. I focus more on vegetables. I love smoothies and green juice. I try to cook so I can have some control over what I eat and stay on point. But I will eat whatever I want too sometimes to balance it out.
What does Charm La’Donna have planned for the rest of 2024?
I have so much more in store than I can talk about (laughs)! I am working on a few tours with artists I love and some larger passion projects. I really love directing and film, so I I am eager to get into TV/film and be a student of the craft. At the end of the day, I am a storyteller. Dance is a form of storytelling, but I also have some other avenues I want to explore and grow in. Stay tuned!
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor in Chief: Prince Chenoa (@princechenoastudio)
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Photographer: Rolexx – (@ro.lexx)
Hair Stylist: Ray Christopher (@hair4kicks)
Makeup Artist: Nelly Santiago (@nells26)
Wardrobe Stylist: Allison Cartagena (@allison.cartagena)
