Rising Stars: Meet Davida Lattimore

Today we’d like to introduce you to Davida Lattimore. 

Hi Davida, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I always knew I would end up doing something in the entertainment field. My love for dance and entertainment started at a young age. I was a part of a community-based drill team, and as I got older, I was given the opportunity to audition for a performing arts school going into the 7th grade. I learned and performed various styles of dance, cheered, won almost every talent show, and took theater courses up until I graduated from Colonel White High School back when it was a school for the arts. I started having children young and didn’t get to fulfill my dream of dancing background for Janet Jackson, lol. I continued to further my education and obtained a degree in Education and Human Services from Wright State University. I found another love but my love for entertainment still remains. Here in Dayton, Ohio, we have plenty of things to do and see but my idea of Burlesque was missing. I was inspired to start this business after watching the movie titled Burlesque with Cher and Christina Aguilera. It has all the pieces I love, dance, storytelling, acting, costumes, live music, crowd-pleasing, the whole package. I phoned a few friends (Ayonda Hayden and Jasmine Gates), shared the idea and RUDE Burlesque (Urban Burlesque at the time) was born. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This road isn’t easy. It’s funny because I think the further, we get the more obstacles. At the beginning and still a little bit today, people didn’t understand what it is. They don’t understand the form of art. The first thing a person would ask is “is it like stripping”. When we first started you wouldn’t catch us at the point we are today. The moves were and still are sensual, the costumes were a bit revealing, and our pieces are themed and have storylines. Now we’re moving closer and closer to your Vegas showgirl and we’re happy with this because the women are comfortable and confident, and it adds to the RUDE experience. 

I’ve had several men and women who loved what we do and were a part of the group. They’ve left for different reasons, change of heart, the family didn’t agree, no time, growth in other areas, not liking to be a part of a group, not getting along or agreeing with the next person’s lifestyle and the list goes on. It felt like I was always starting over. It’s very hard when your passion requires the work of other people. This has caused me to be very selective, not backtrack, and not get to attached so early and this is hard. I want to pour all into those who make the choice to help me fulfill my dream. I still haven’t figured out how to go part way in, I don’t half-step. 

With my dedicated members, it’s still a struggle. I don’t expect RUDE to be a top priority. They’re mothers, business owners, and also work for other companies. Out of the four, maybe two desire to make a career out of the entertainment world and we’re working very hard to make this happen for all of us. 

The obstacle of 2022 is my husband is no longer a supporter of RUDE. I’m still working through this. I’ll go into this further in our upcoming special “Let’s get RUDE the Burlesque Visual” 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m the Owner/Director/ Choreographer of Respectfully Utilizing Dance and Entertainment (RUDE). RUDE specializes in Burlesque and Variety shows both locally in Dayton and we travel. We add flavor to events, host burlesque dance classes, develop and teach choreography for our clients, perform at corporate-themed events, and host parties that include bachelorette, bachelor, and girls’ night in/out and etc. 

I’m proud to be doing this interview. I’m not sure if we were suggested or were discovered by your company. Either way, it feels good to be recognized and shows people are noticing and like the work we’re doing. I’m proud to be able to provide a platform where women feel empowered and confident. I’m proud to give other women an outlet and an opportunity to fulfill their dreams of being part-time or full-time entertainers. 

What sets me apart is my passion for the art of dance, my dedication, and the overall experience we provide at rude Burlesque. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
None. It has been a long hard-working road. We started this in 2012 as a hobby. We’ve done events with as few as 4 people in the audience. Not once did we fold. We continue to keep going and changed a few things, such as how to reach our target audience, getting over the fear of what others would say when we rebranded to what we feel true Burlesque is (Better costumes and different acts). It was always the plan but you have to start somewhere. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rudeburlesque.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rudeburlesque