ORLANDO, Fla. – In Orlando’s Parramore neighborhood, Pure Pressure Cheer and Dance is giving young girls far more than a place to practice routines. The program is focused on helping them gain confidence, strengthen their academics and imagine a future beyond the challenges around them.
“Accountability, integrity and motivating others,” said Quentin McCree, CEO of Pure Pressure Cheer and Dance.
Founded in 2023, the organization works with girls whom leaders say are frequently navigating difficult circumstances in their daily lives.
“Pressure makes diamonds,” McCree said.
Assistant Director Martavia Brown said Pure Pressure serves as a needed outlet for girls who may feel boxed in by their environment.
“At times in this community, we feel captured—imprisoned—to what society has already planned for them,” Brown said. “Us being an outlet gives them a different perspective, a different meaning to life.”
The mission, however, comes with steep challenges. Program leaders say competition costs run into the thousands, and the organization is already spending more than it takes in. Without a permanent practice facility, the girls have also had to train in extreme heat.
“They pass out,” Brown said. “It has been very difficult.”
As a way to give the girls a break from the heat, the coach and staff tell the girls to hop in the cars they rode in, that are parked nearby where they practice.
Pure Pressure is now working to become a nonprofit. Leaders say that status could help them secure funding, including money to purchase or lease a building.
“To be an impact so they don’t become a statistic of society,” said Brown.
Leaders say the program is already making an impact. They report that participants are earning better grades, and some parents have noticed changes in their children’s confidence and behavior.
“Better grades—even parents are seeing a difference in their kids from when they were enclosed and now they’re opening up,” Brown said.
Twelve-year-old Tija Dansey said she was bullied at school and struggled with insecurity before joining Pure Pressure. She said the program has taught her to encourage herself.
“Look in the mirror, tell yourself you’re good and you can do all you can,” Dansey said.
She also appreciates having a place where she can be herself.
“Everybody doesn’t have this opportunity right in their community. You might have to go somewhere else,” Dansey said. “You can just be you here.”
The team leaders say they want to continue giving Parramore girls a safe space to grow while working toward a permanent home for the program.
Right now, the team is hosting a shoe collection. They’re asking the community to donate new or gently worn mens and womens shoes for the young ladies to use in practice.
Shoes can be dropped-off on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 6 p.m. at Z Riley Park in Parramore, where the girls practice.
