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There was a very heartwarming article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel yesterday, called Dancing with Dad.
The subtitle said “Girls step out and bond with fathers, uncles, granddads.”
Here is a quote from one of the fathers who attended.
“This singles out men to be responsible. It challenges us to do more than sit at home. She’s going to remember it forever. “- James Robinson, who brought his 9-year-old daughter, Tashaya
What a concept!!!
For Dennis Burtin and his daughter Essence Burks-Burtin, 10, the fourth annual “Daddy / Daughter Dance” was part of a continuing tradition. They’ve made each of the dances so far, and plan on attending until Essence graduates from high school.
Decked out in furs, satins, velvets and plain old blue jeans, upward of 40 couples came out for the dance at the North Division High School building. Girls brought their fathers, stepdads, grandpas and uncles for a post-Valentine evening of hip-hop music and family bonding.
Here is how the idea emerged.
Cedric Banks, a supervisor in Milwaukee Public Schools’ recreation department, brought the idea with him from Chicago four years ago. “As long as I’ve been living in urban areas, fathers have a tendency not to spend time with their daughters,” he said. But he thinks it’s crucial for them to get to know each other. “Young ladies choose guys like their fathers,” he said. “The more opportunities they have to get together, the better the choices she’s going to make when she picks a mate.”
Mr. Banks has been doing this with his own daughters for 15 years. What memories those girls must have of their father.
Here is the story of another young girl.
Priscilla Groce, an 11-year-old whose white satin dress matches her white barrettes and necklace, has come back for her third dance. Each time she has brought a new date. Her grandfather came first, followed by two uncles.
The photo in this blog is one of the photos from the story. Look at the smile on the little girl’s face. She is proud to be with her Daddy.
My own “bonding” memories of my father are very slim. He did not even dance with me at my wedding. I can only remember one time when my father hugged me and comforted me, and I can’t imagine him ever taking me to a dance. That’s not to say he doesn’t love me. I know he does, but I envy these girls. They have fathers who will take the time to show their love for them in a way that money can’t buy.
Don’t you wish there were more opportunities available like this?
I know that if there is ever an opportunity like this in our area, my husband and Hannah will be one of the proud “couples” pictured.
