Daddy Daughter Dance Starts New Tradition For Murrieta Dads

Pretty pink dresses with ruffles and sparkles, little feet atop bigger feet and twirling made up the magical night themed “Butterfly Kisses,” which included games, crafts, refreshments and music geared for both audiences.

“We wanted to do something that would be special and both parent and child could enjoy,” said Lauren Martin, senior recreation leader. “With today’s economy, it’s all about making a dollar and we get so caught up, we forget to make time for these special moments.”

Many of the fathers in attendance knew the importance of spending time with their children.

"My wife and I tried for years to get pregnant, so any time spent with her is a miracle,” said Murrieta resident Dave Laudermilk.

Laudermilk's date was his 8-year-old daughter, Isabella. Both couldn’t wait for the night to arrive. It took Isabella three weeks to find the perfect dress, not letting her father see it until the big night.

“It was well worth the wait, she looks beautiful,” Laudermilk said.

Fellow dad, Matt Adamo, brought his daughter, Marlee, 3, and was looking forward to bringing his other daughter when she is old enough. 

Adamo came with a group of fathers and daughters, and had his hands full with not only his own daughter, but also her best friend, Lilia Emerick, 2. 

“This has been really fun,” Adamo said.  “We will definitely come every year.” Adamo wasn’t the only one; a new tradition seemed to be started for most.

Greg Davidson, who brought his daughter Emma, 2, was a walk-in but was pleasantly surprised by the event.

 “I am very impressed with the food, crafts and all they’ve done here," Davidson said. “We will definitely be back next year.”

While the Community Services has held consecutive daddy/daughter dances in the past, they did not have one in 2010 due in part to shifts in administration.

However, Martin plans to bring back the tradition.

“The bonds between family are so important,” Martin said. “We hope the Community Center can provide activities that encourages family togetherness and unity.”

Martin seems to have succeeded. Almost 40 father and daughter couples attended the event and those in attendance partook in all of the festivities including a father/daughter crafting session making hand-print butterflies.

Martin also advocates reasonable prices so families can enjoy these events. Tickets were $20 per couple for Murrieta residents and $5 for additional daughters.

“There aren’t too many events for fathers and daughters,” Martin said. “We wanted to have something affordable that both could enjoy.”

Jose Wiarco agreed.

“There isn’t much that’s just for me and my daughter," said Wiarco, who brought his daughter Natsumi, 3. “However, this is great and we are having a good time.”

“One of my favorite things is to see the relationship between father and daughter,” Martin said. “By the end of the night, they are so caught up in their love, they are only aware of each other.”

Laudermilk appreciated the love.

“We are having an absolute blast,” Laudermilk said. “She was dancing on my toes earlier like what you see in the movies and it just melts your heart.”