FRESNO, Calif. (KMPH) -
A West Fresno dance group aims to teach girls the importance of making good choices and gaining success through hard work. And it's changing lives one step at a time.
The group Train Entertainment was formed after its founder lost his son to gang violence.
A fight between several girls took place in Southwest Fresno last
year. One of the girls provided a video of the fight to KMPH News.
>> Warning: some of the video may be disturbing to watch <<
Out of the punches came a vision to bring change in these girls' lives.
A dream Dewayne McCoy is now accomplishing through dance.
"Hopefully this situation can create a model of change that other people in West Fresno and around the world can see and try to utilize this model of change and change their environment and neighborhood," McCoy said.
After McCoy lost his son to gang violence, he saw his daughters following the same path. So, he created this dance group. And besides bringing home a few awards in competitions, these girls are excelling in life.
"I see in all of us really being somebody and going to the top and leaving the drama below us," said Deerika McCoy.
"I go to school now... grades are high. Fighting is not for me anymore," said Ometha McCoy.
"We go out and perform, and even if we don't win we take it as a win because we tried our hardest," said Dukequasha Bryant.
McCoy can be found wearing his construction vest because he says he has created a safe zone for these girls, a zone free of drugs and gangs.
With the help of den mother Anita English, they've all become a family.
"You pay if forward. What I'm getting from them, I'm giving back. I'm trying to let other kids know you are not out here by yourself. You have people that you can go to and that can build your confidence," said English.
Train Entertainment hopes to continue to grow.
If you'd like to donate your time, treasures, or talent, give them a call at (559) 803-5421. The group is looking for more dancers and volunteers to be mentors for the girls.
