Father & Daughter dance creates quality family time

 

story and photos by Ruby Dean
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The Fort Smith Parks & Recreation held their 4th Annual Father & Daughter Dance on Saturday (Feb. 20) at the River Park Pavilion. The event has doubled in attendance from 2009 with 90 dads and daughters attending the Saturday night event.

Tickets were $20 per couple and additional tickets could be purchased for $10 per additional girl. With the purchase, the fathers and daughters received a picture, snacks, and drinks. Monies collected cover the expenses of holding the event. The event is held the third weekend in February.

What does every little girl dream of? Going to a ball dressed as a princess with a frilly dress, new hairdo, slippers, and her knight in shining armor. At this age, her knight is of course her dad. As the doors opened, the princesses came and danced like they did in Cinderella when she attended the ball.

Moms were not allowed to attend. This was a night for just fathers and daughters. For one night, fathers got to spend quality time with their daughters dancing the night away.  From twirling and spinning to jumping up and down, fun was enjoyed by all.

There were also games of musical chairs and limbo. The music was supplied by MS SoundWorks.

One girl in particular attending this event was Nino Epremidze, an exchange student from the Republic of Georgia staying with Warren Looper’s family who reside in Greenwood. Warren not only brought Nino, but also his 12-year-old daughter Alexis Looper. This was a first time event for all three. Both girls were excited about attending this event. In the Republic of Georgia, they do not have father & daughter dances. This was a great experience for all three and a memory that Nino can take back to her country to which she will return in June, and a memory that Alexis and her father will also share.

As the clock ticked away and 10 o’clock arrived, the little princesses became very tired and had to be taken home in their carriages. Each one appeared to have happy thoughts of dancing with their dads and the time they spent with them, with some asking when they could do it again.