By CW, The Freelancer
On Saturday night, the sound of laughter, classic R&B, and tiny dress shoes tapping across a polished floor filled the Michael Brunker Gymnasium at the Jackie Robinson YMCA. The annual Daddy Daughter Dance, held on June 28, brought together more than 30 young girls and the men who show up for them every day: fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, and cousins.
This wasn’t just about twirling around in matching outfits or posing for photos under balloon arches. It was about connections. It was about love, time, and presence.
Torrion Dedmon, a father of five and the founder of Leading Boys 2 Manhood(LB2M), is the man behind the magic. When asked why he created this event, Dedmon got real.
“This Father-Daughter Dance came from a very personal place,” he said. “When I had my first daughter, it made me take a hard look at myself and how I was living. I used to be a ladies’ man, the kind who didn’t fully understand the impact of his actions. But becoming a father shifted everything. I realized that if I didn’t show my daughters what love looks like, they might look for it in all the wrong places.”
Beyond giving girls a safe, joyful space to be celebrated, Dedmon had another goal. “I also created this event to uplift and recognize great fathers,” he said. “Too often, fathers are overlooked, especially in the media and public eye. Moms deserve all their flowers, but dads matter too. There are so many good, committed fathers out here who don’t get the recognition they deserve. We don’t do it for praise, but it does go a long way to feel seen and appreciated.”
The evening also served a purpose beyond the dance floor. Proceeds from the event support LB2M’s annual summer camping trip, which gives boys a weekend of learning, bonding, and personal growth. “Because sometimes, it’s not about what you give a child,” Dedmon added, “it’s about the time you spend and the memories you build. That’s what truly lasts.”
As in years past, Dedmon and his team paused the dancing to honor 10 to 15 standout fathers in the community who lead in quiet, powerful ways. “From pastors to barbershop owners to teachers and mentors,” Dedmon said, “these are men who are doing the work, being present for their kids, loving their families, and uplifting our neighborhoods. Especially in places like Southeastern San Diego, often labeled ‘the ghetto’, people assume greatness can’t come from here. This event proves otherwise.”
The message was clear: presence matters.
In a world full of noise, who better to teach a young girl what love, respect, and care look like than the man who chooses to dance with her?
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