Charm La’Donna has become a defining force in choreography, shaping iconic moments for Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar in their recent, groundbreaking performances. The Compton-born artist, a protégé of Fatima Robinson and seasoned professional since her days as a backup dancer for Madonna in 2006, now finds herself uniquely positioned—competing against herself for Emmy Awards for her spectacular choreography on both Beyoncé Bowl and Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show.
At 37, La’Donna’s career highlights include MTV Video Music Awards wins and collaborations with Rosalía and Dua Lipa, but this Emmy nomination moment is unprecedented. Set for the Creative Arts Emmys on September 7, where she will vie for outstanding choreography in variety or reality programming, she’s also aiming for her third best choreography Moonperson at the VMAs for Lamar’s “Not Like Us.” Reflecting on this rare feat, she humorously acknowledged the challenge of competing against herself.
La’Donna’s creative process is deeply rooted in her Los Angeles upbringing and authentic storytelling through movement. Her recent work on Lamar’s “Not Like Us” video showcases homegrown styles like crip walking and clowning, blending cultural homage with innovative artistry. For Lamar’s first-ever solo rapper Super Bowl halftime show, she leveraged previous Super Bowl choreography experience to focus on freestyle auditions and capturing nuanced, cinematic storytelling over spectacle, captivating 133.5 million viewers.
Beyoncé’s NFL halftime show in Houston saw La’Donna collaborate with an elite team to manage an ambitious production featuring hundreds of performers, including Beyoncé’s daughter Blue Ivy. La’Donna’s approach centres on delivering her best self amid grand scale, ensuring flawless execution without added pressure. Her journey from high school dancer to Emmy contender highlights a powerful blend of talent, culture, and determination, setting the stage for more unforgettable performances ahead.
