Lovely Asia

Budding Young West Coast Swing Dancer Brutally Slain

By Gerry Zonca, Director of The USA Swing Dance Network
Friday, April 17, 2009

She was only 20 years old.  At just over 5 feet and 98 pounds, Asia McGowan was a wisp of a girl.  But, oh, what an amazing girl she was.  Honor student, athlete, actress, dancer - and loaded with charisma.

Asia was inspired by fellow petite dancer, Sarah Vann Drake, and emulated her sassy dance style.  She was also inspired by Benji Schwimmer.  So much so that she asked me to teach her WC Swing and help her prepare a dance routine so she could audition for "So You Think You Can Dance". 

Asia had the talent to go far.  But her dreams were dashed.  On Thursday night, Asia called me at home to set up a practice time for the following day.  She couldn't wait to practice West Coast Swing.  But less than 12 hours after that enthusiastic phone call, my wonderful dance student, Asia McGowan, was found shot to death at school.

On Good Friday, Asia's fellow classmate took her life by firing a shotgun at her face while she was rehearsing at the Fine Arts Building at Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn, Michigan.  Now her body lies lifeless, her angelic face destroyed beyond recognition by a madman with a gun who had been harassing her.

Asia McGowan will never dance again.  She will never entertain us again.  And she will never reach her goal of performing on "So You Think You Can Dance." 

A life lost, a talent destroyed, a dream gone unfulfilled.  It's a horrific tragedy.
 

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Overlooked is a family that has lost a daughter and a sister - and is coping with the fact that Asia's once beautiful face was hidden by a closed casket.  No final look at the girl they all loved.  The pain they are dealing with is beyond comprehension.

Added to all this is the fact that the family could not afford funeral and burial expenses because Asia's father is only partly employed and her mother works part-time at Tim Horton's Restaurant.  The McGowans have three other children and are barely getting by.  Their lives have been devastated and they need help.

The USA Swing Net is heralding the call for all dancers to come to the aid of the parents of our fellow dancer in this time of tragedy and critical need.  I implore you to lend your support. 

If you would like to assist this grieving family by making a donation to the Asia McGowan Memorial Fund, please click the DONATE button below.  They will appreciate it more than you will ever know.

Asia McGowan was very SPECIAL to me.  I will miss this Sweetheart of a girl.  You would have all LOVED her.

Sincerely, Gerry Zonca

Director - The USA Swing Dance Network

"A Song for Asia"

Lyrics (Gerry Zonca)   Vocals (Bianca Tellis)

Please click the link above to hear a special song that salutes the life of this beautiful girl.
Donors to this cause may download and save it.  We are submitting the song to recording artist, John Legend, in hopes that he will create a music video to raise funds and increase awareness for this campaign.   Benji Schwimmer has also pledged to raise funds for the cause.  In addition, Congresswoman Carolyn Kilpatrick is submitting a bill to Congress entitled, "The Asia Act",
to help fight the abuse and victimization of young women.   Please join us.

CARING
DONORS

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Detroit Dance Network
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Marsha Bruhn