The Father-Daughter Dance
NukeGirl had asked me out on a date about a year ago. I was reading in the paper about the Father-Daughter dance that had just taken place, and she said; “Why didn’t we go?” I assured her that when it came around again that we would go. Every month or so, NukeGirl would ask; “Is it time for the dance yet?”, and I’d let her know that it was coming up soon. The big day finally arrived on Saturday. We got the whole neighborhood involved. The Torgo’s, The AP’s, The Isaid No’s and the Irish Tenors all agreed that it would be a great time for Dad’s and daughters. Fancy clothes shopping commenced and everyone got to show off when this picture was taken.
Left to right are: Dr. Isaid No, NukeDad, Mr. AP, Mr. Torgo and their lovely daughters. Mr. Irish Tenor and his daughter couldn’t make it due to a death in the family; we hope they can attend with us next year. They were serving food at the dance, but who wants chicken nuggets when you can have Mexican food instead? Crazy, you say? Asking for trouble? Not. A. Single. Spill. Couldn’t believe it. I knew NukeGirl would be fine with the red salsa and her white dress; I was more impressed that I didn’t spill anything on my white shirt or dangle my tie in the rice and beans.
The dance was from 6pm until 8pm, and we got there right at 6pm. The ceiling was an ocean of balloons and the floor was flooded with confetti and hula hoops. Great fun; hula hoops, until the dance floor starts filling up; after that they become swirling circles of death. Close quarter hula hoop swirling isn’t an Olympic event yet, but I’ve no doubt it will be a demonstration event in 2012. By my count there were 4 knocked over drinks, 3 head smacks and one racked Dad before the DJ recalled the hoops. I was fine, by the way; I sat with a cup of ice between my legs and all was better. I did sound like Mickey Mouse for a few minutes, though.
Having not been on a dance floor on purpose in over 14 years, I was a little apprehensive. NukeGirl calmed my fears as she gently coaxed me to the floor with reassurances of; “C’mon, Dad! Let’s Dance!” and “Everybody’s doing it! C’mon, you’ll be popular! Everyone will like you!” God I hate peer pressure.
It’s hard enough for a Dad not to look like he has WBD (White Boy Disease) while dancing with his daughter; it’s even harder when he’s dancing to Hannah Montana and The Jonas Brothers. The Doc and Mr. AP give it the ole college try, though. Mr. Torgo and his daughter waltzed the night away. They stayed on the dance floor all night, and as we were leaving we mentioned it to him. His reply? “Yeah, I was out there all night and you didn’t see me dance once.”
The DJ kept it lively all night, giving the girls plenty of squeal worthy samplings of the Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus, among others. The girls also learned how to do some new dances, and some old ones as well. NukeGirl did the Chicken Dance for the first time ever. The Macarena cleared the floor of Dads as they knew there were way too many cameras on hand to be out there on the floor. Sensing this, the DJ launched into YMCA by the Village People and hilarity ensued. The Doc and I pondered over the myriad meanings one can take from the lyrics, if they wish. The guy in the Navy jacket in the foreground needs spell check, I think. (Dude, it’s FOUR letters!)
One Dad dressed his 3 daughters as Disney princesses and himself as Prince Charming. NukeGirl decided that every stray balloon needed to come home with her, so she started rounding them up. She was quite surprised when she noticed the Prince was so close.
The organizers did a great job, and thankfully they sold a limited number of tickets: just enough to cram the basement of the local library. I just wish they had started the fans a little sooner; now I know how Papillon felt while he was in solitary in French Guiana. The end of the night saw the bringing out of the limbo bar and NukeGirl was gone in a flash. She was 3rd in line and went through about 20 times. She fancies herself to be the limbo queen of the Nuke household. Here she is in action. The swimming pool noodle was no match for her skills.
All in all it was a great night. The girls had a great time getting all dressed up, and I think all of us Dad’s did too. NukeGirl was more into playing than actual dancing, which was probably a blessing for me. Hopefully this will become a neighborhood tradition for years to come. As the girls get older, the meaning will become more apparent. Seeing Mr. Torgo and his daughter on the floor tells me that. She was the oldest of the girls there and I think she (and he) got the most out of it. It started me thinking that someone should write a song about Fathers and Daughters, and how no matter what occurs throughout our lives, they will always be Daddy’s little girl. Then I remembered that somebody already had.
Mr Lady
Oh. My. God.
You know she will nevereverever forget this, right? Which, of course, means you’ve just set the bar unattainably high for any suitor to come.
Nicely played, NukeDad, nicely played indeed.
(NukeDad) I hope she never forgets it. I can’t wait to see how it plays out over the years. There were daughters as young as 2 years old, and 1 Dad in his 60′s with his 30 year old daughter. It was really, really cool.
Mr Ladys last blog post..Someday, He’s Going To Charge Royalties
Feb 09, 2009 @ 1:03 am
Weaselmomma
That’s great. The girls all looked so sweet and I am sure that they were all in their glory being the stars of the night with such handsome dates. This will be a memory that stays with them.
The best date that I have ever had was going to the Father/Daughter dance in the spring on of my Senior. Dad’s been gone for a long time now, but he left me that great memory of a wonderful night.
(NukeDad) The video is what kills me; I know she’s only here for so long, so I want to make it count. Sounds like your Dad understood too…
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Feb 09, 2009 @ 6:18 am
Seashore
Having a husband who has not danced since our wedding (& even then with coaxing) I think that is an awesome event. I am sure that no one can coax a father unto the dance floor like a daughter. What a wonderful experience!
(NukeDad) You’re right; the DJ kept saying; “Alright, girls; find you Dad’s it’s time for…” I thought he was going to get lynched before the night was over. Lots of really bad Dad dancing, but the daughters were having a blast.
Seashores last blog post..Love is in the Air
Feb 09, 2009 @ 6:24 am
Melisa
That is just PRECIOUS. This was one of those nights that she will remember forever, and you guys are all wonderful for making it a special night for your girls. (I bet you’ll remember it forever too: er, until you start to forget things.)
I love the picture of the two of you on the dance floor. Adorable.
(NukeDad) Thanks, Melisa! We hope to make it a family/neighborhood tradition. The girls really seemed to like it, and the Dad’s had fun too. Did you see the Doc and Mr. AP cutting the rug? Look out Travolta!
Melisas last blog post..This Post Is Brought To You By The Letter R.
Feb 09, 2009 @ 7:37 am
amy
So, so sweet!! I gotta find a daddy/daughter dance for my troop to go to. And you know I love that song! Glad you two had such an awesome night, it’s a memory she’ll have forever.
(NukeDad) I got the idea for the video from you! It’s a great song; very poignant. Can’t wait to go again next year.
amys last blog post..When Pigs Fly
Feb 09, 2009 @ 9:17 am
Momo Fali
Ack! I’m about to cry! Having a good dad is so important in a young girl’s life and you are a GREAT one.
(NukeDad) Thanks Momo.
Feb 09, 2009 @ 12:12 pm
FilmFather
Your father-daughter dance made me think of that episode of Everybody Loves Raymond, when Ray is slow-dancing with his daughter at a similar event (she must have been 9 or 10 at the time). The dance frames out what is largely a flashback episode about his little girl, then comes back again at the end to Ray and his daughter dancing.
She catches him staring off and smiling, and says (and I’m paraphrasing): “Daddy, you OK? Do you want to dance faster?”
And Ray replies, “No honey, I’m okay…it’s going fast enough.”
(NukeDad) No kiddin’. Time is flying by. It seems like just yesterday that I was still carrying her around and trying to decipher all of her baby words. Just hoping she doesn’t grow too fast.
FilmFathers last blog post..Milk (2008)
Feb 09, 2009 @ 12:24 pm
Reagan
So, so precious!! And what a great dad you are! I know from personal experience that it is times like these that daughters remember so fondly. Wonderful pics!
(NukeDad) Thanks, Reagan. Hopefully these are memories that will last for both of us. I’m looking forward to next years dance, and the one after that, and the one after that, and the one….
Reagans last blog post..Super Fantastic Dream Job!!
Feb 09, 2009 @ 8:10 pm
Mike
“There Goes My Life” from Kenny Chesney is the one that pulls my heart strings. My oldest knows that that’s our song.
Great photos of you and the gang. Thanks for sharing…
(NukeDad) Thanks, Mike. You’ve obviously already been there; done that, I’m just starting out with it. Should be an interesting journey.
Mikes last blog post..Coffee, Tea or…
Feb 09, 2009 @ 9:04 pm
1sttimedad
Cool post. Cool dance. Wish they did something like that in my area. Uh oh, I think I just appointed myself to a committee that doesn’t exist yet …
If your daughter didn’t think you were Dad of the Year before, I guarantee she does now.
(NukeDad) Actually, she thinks I’m a pretty poor Hula Hoop catcher. Hope you get that event up and running soon! You’ll have a blast.
1sttimedads last blog post..Ahhhhhh, Wipeout
Feb 10, 2009 @ 4:57 pm
Karen
That is so sweet! I am a total Daddy’s girl, I suspect that little cutie date of yours is too =).
(NukeDad) She was that night; then the next night I made her eat all of her vegetables. Back in the dog house for me.
Karens last blog post..The Dishwasher
Feb 12, 2009 @ 6:25 pm
tom
Wow. You have indeed set the bar very high. Very, very good for you! This is something your daughter will indeed treasure forever.
And next time, wear a cup.
(NukeDad) Actually, I’m going to request that they only have padded Hula Hoops next year.
toms last blog post..A Challenge
Feb 12, 2009 @ 7:34 pm
Kelley
Damn you.
Cried like a little baby.
Looking for a ‘unrecovered Daddy’s girl’ support group now.
Beautiful beautiful post. She will remember this forever.
(NukeDad) Thanks, Kelley. Hope things are getting better for you all down under; if it keeps up, you guys may need to change your name to California.
Feb 12, 2009 @ 9:17 pm
Eric
My wife and her dad danced to that song at our wedding…
Everyone balled…
(NukeDad) I’ll bet. I have a feeling it will be played at weddings for years to come.
Feb 18, 2009 @ 2:24 pm