Fathers save the dance for daughters

Most of the time, these ballerinas are dancing in a performance for their fathers.

But Sunday these little girls took time to actually dance with their dads.

The Triangle Youth Ballet hosted the Father Daughter Valentine Dance for those interested in spending an evening enjoying dancing, games, food and Valentine’s card making.

The dancers gathered at Extraordinary Ventures in Chapel Hill to share that special relationship fathers only have with their daughters.

Around 50 people attended the dance.

Beth Mueller, a volunteer and a cupcake supplier for the event, said she was pleased with the turnout.

Mueller said she has volunteered since the event’s inception three years ago.

“More people are coming to the event,” she said. “We have them coming from Raleigh to dance with their daughters.”

Mueller said the local dance community has used events like this to grow into a large family.

“The dance community has really grown together and gets to know one another from participating in these events,” she said.

Anne Anders from Triangle Youth Ballet coordinated the event. She said events like this create a magical and memorable moment for fathers and daughters to share forever.

“The young children enjoy spending time with their father,” Anders said.

“What better way to celebrate the unique father-daughter relationship than with a dance?”

Anders said a group of 10 volunteers gathered to transform the Extraordinary Ventures room into a Valentine’s themed ballroom.

“It’s really magical to have a memorable moment,” she said. “Daughters grow up so fast and they only have a short time before they don’t want to dance with dad.”

Carrboro resident Eliot White said this is the second year he has participated in the event. This year, White brought both of his daughters.

“We do a lot of dancing around the house together and now we can take our moves public,” he said.

Gina Dronio, a volunteer for the event, said she was surprised with the huge number of daughters that arrived.

“It is really sweet to see the little girls enjoying time with their dads and to see that the dads are enjoying it too,” she said.

This event was not limited to just fathers and daughters. Will Girder, a son present at the event, said he had a great time dancing to the music.

“I think Valentine’s Day is my favorite holiday because you can share your love with the people you like.”

Fiona Morgan said she thought the dance was perfect.

“I love Valentine’s Day — it is my favorite holiday,” she said.

“I really like everything about it. I love doing twirls when dancing with my dad.”

city@dailytarheel.com