Dallas drill team dance-off turns into brawl

A friendly impromptu dance competition turned into a brawl between two Dallas-area schools’ drill teams.

The fight between Wilmer Hutchins High School and James Madison High School’s drill teams happened after the football game ended last Friday at Wilmer Hutchins Stadium.

Deshannon Roberts' daughter, 15-year-old Shamyra Cooper, had a member from Madison High School come over to her and perform a mock routine.

“You do have a personal space in which you are supposed to respect,” Roberts said. “That was not respected, so it was heated at that point.”

The dance team member from Madison returned and Cooper turned her back. Then there was a hit to the back of the head.

“I immediately leaped over the rail and ran to the field, trying to get my baby,” Roberts said. “By that time it was chaos.”

The field was filled with brawling dance team members and adults who had joined in.

Dallas ISD released a statement condemning the actions of those involved.

"Impromptu dance-offs are not part of the approved performance for dance teams and fighting is never acceptable. Disciplinary actions will be taken as appropriate,” the district’s statement read.

None of the girls involved will be allowed to participate in upcoming performances at football games.

Roberts doesn't think the district’s punishment is fair and said her daughter was a victim.

“I don’t think that was good in that it doesn't set an example to our students because you have to stand up for yourself,” Roberts said. “You're basically saying it’s OK to get bullied.”

No one was seriously hurt in the incident and no arrests were made.