On Saturday, November 17, Cooper City held its annual Daddy Daughter dance for its residents. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. and running until 9 p.m., the dance cost $30 for a father and daughter to attend along with another $12.50 per any additional daughters.
Held in the CCHS cafeteria, this year’s dance had the theme of “Las Vegas.” The cafeteria was transformed into a small Vegas for the attendees. Efforts to embody the city were made evident through a black and red color scheme, as well as the addition of playing card decorations.
The dance had many activities for its attendees to enjoy that assisted in creating the Las Vegas atmosphere including card and poker games and a billiards table. Also adding to the atmosphere was a makeshift dance floor accompanied by a DJ and eventually a magician who showed off some of his skills to the crowd.
With all of the elaborate decorations and an atmosphere of fun, many that attended plan to come back the following year. For those who attend, the relationship a father and daughter have is shown out on the dance floor and it can grow through taking the opportunity to spend time together.
“Daughters grow up looking forward [to the event] and, to some, it becomes tradition and it’s nice to see these moments being built by those who attend this event,” part-time worker Xiovan Mesa said.
This dance was a lot more than just a trip to Las Vegas without leaving home, but a tradition for some fathers and daughters to attend this annual celebration. The dance even had its own traditions. For example, YMCA is played for the fathers attending the dance with their daughters for the first time. Fathers and daughters of all ages gathered on the dance floor as they joined together to slow dance to some of the traditional father-daughter songs such as “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle.
“As a father that has been attending for 12 years, I am sure I speak for all dads,” attendee Orestes Porras said. “This event is special and unique to the bond a father has with his daughter.”
It may just be a dance to some, but to others, it becomes a big part of the growing bond between a father and a daughter.
“When you have been attending for many years, you cherish every moment, remembering when your daughter was six and carrying her to the dance floor,” attendee Alex Porras said. “Now she has grown to be a respectable young lady.”
Photo by Alexandra Sansone
