Princesses and their dates. Image Credit - Star 99.1

Star 99.1’s Daddy Daughter Dance (Inviting All Father-Like Figures To Attend) Was A Beautiful Night To Remember For Girls And Their Dads (Or FROGs)

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Daddy Daughter Dances have been a mainstay of our culture for many years.  While it may not have originated in the 1980s with the Girl Scouts and other organizations hosting them, it has since grown in popularity. 
This year, Star 99.1 hosted a Daddy-Daughter Dance at the Pines Manor in Edison.
This was a sold-out event, and girls were taken to the dance by dads and father-like figures.  In the time since their  inception, many Daddy-Daughter Dances have often morphed into the newly titled “Princess and her FROG (Father, Relative, or Older Gentleman) events.  This is partly due to the fact that some girls don’t have actual fathers in their lives, or perhaps they want to share this special moment with someone they feel close to who is not their father (such as an uncle, stepfather, or other gentleman in a young girls’ life).

According to Orlando’s Channel 6, “The father-daughter dances also have elements originating from debutante balls, as a way for a father to introduce and present his daughter to the world, and a tribute to those that chose fatherhood…

“There are many benefits to attending a father-daughter event, helping to build and solidify the bond between father and daughter, and creating life-long memories and traditions. Many see this event as a way for a parental love to be put on display and an excuse to spoil their daughters. Daddy-daughter dates with my father were some of my favorite memories growing up–being taken out and spoiled made me feel so special and loved, and definitely strengthened the bond I have with my father today.”
Daddy Daughter Dances have also been a time-honored tradition for Girl Scout troops across the country.  For these dances, they usually teach square dancing to participants.  Here is why, from the Girl Scouts of Michigan website: “The daddy-daughter dance is a time honored tradition in America, and often one of the fondest memories for women looking back on their childhood.  It is a chance for fathers to spend some quality time with their daughters, and will be an event they won’t soon forget.  Old fashioned American square dancing is the perfect venue for a daddy-daughter dance.  The dances are easily taught and do not require the fancy footwork involved in many other dance programs, making dads and daughters of all ages both feel at ease.  No experience is necessary.  All of these dances are designed and taught for beginners.  At the same time, the upbeat music, and fun of square dancing are infectious…
“Square dancing also gives girls and dads an exposure to traditional American culture.  Square dancing was a form of entertainment enjoyed by our forefathers, and has been passed down to us as a great way to exercise, socialize, and have fun.”
Dad and Daughter at the dance. Image Credit - Star 99.1

Dad and Daughter at the dance. Image Credit – Star 99.1

The following questions were asked of the Star 99.1 organizers, and the answers follow each question below:
Is this also a FROG (father, relative or older gentleman) event, or do all parental participants have to be fathers?
  •  We invite fathers and father-like figures to attend the dance, with their daughters age 5 & up! Besides the typical father & daughter, this many a time includes an uncle bringing their daughter(s) & niece(s), grandfathers & granddaughters, and many others of the sort.
  1. How long has this event been held (number of years)?
  • This event has been held for three (3) years now – this was our “Third Annual” – and we hope to have it for many more years to come!
  1. How was the original decision made to host this event?
  • We originally decided to put on this dance because the relationship between a father and daughter is like no other – we felt the need in the community for a night to enjoy this relationship, just as we believe in the investment of that beautiful relationship with our Heavenly Father. The first year was a night to remember, with so many asking when we’d have it again. Thus… we are now on our third year!
    3. What has been the response of attendees and Star listeners to the event?
  • The response to this event has been outstanding year after year – which is one of the main reasons we get so excited about hosting it each year. The bond between a father and a daughter is truly unlike any other, so to be able to dedicate a night to honoring that is a blessing we don’t take for granted. We also have dedicated volunteers that help us run the event, vendors and venue staff that have said this is the best event, and can’t wait to get the call that we’re doing it again. It truly is an enchanted evening for all.

 

    4. Were there many Staten Islanders that attended, since it was being held so close to the island?

  • Yes, definitely many Staten Islanders! At least a few dozen.
    Here is some more information about the dance:
    • It took place on Friday, August 9th 2024 from 6:30-9:30 at the Pines Manor in Edison, NJ
    • The dance was sponsored this year by Options For Her Pregnancy Center, the Victorious Festival New Jersey, and ImageCare Radiology – they all also had representatives present at the dance, speaking to guests and giving away raffle prizes, and some of them even brought their own daughters! 😊
    • Each of the girls got a Bingo card on their way in to the dance that helped guide them and their Dad around the various activities set up for them to enjoy. This also had Dad & Daughter meet other dance attendees, and get to know each other more! Some of the squares on the Bingo card said things like: “Make a friendship bracelet” and “Visit the Photo Booth”, but also things like “Meet a STAR 99.1 DJ” and “Meet someone who’s a fan of the Mets”, and “Make a new Daddy/Daughter handshake… Get ready to show us!” This got both the dance attendees talking to each other, and the Dads & Daughters learning new things about each other, while also giving them the incentive to get BINGO and earn a prize!
    • Many of our activities for the night are run or assisted by volunteers – we have an incredible group that we truly couldn’t do our events without. We call them our “All-STARs” for just that reason. I attached a photo we got of most of us just prior to the dance beginning.
Daddy Daughter Dance Volunteers. Image Credit - Star 99.1

Daddy Daughter Dance Volunteers. Image Credit – Star 99.1

Dad and Daughters showing their cartoons. Image Credit - Star 99.1

Dad and Daughters showing their cartoons. Image Credit – Star 99.1

Princesses and their dates. Image Credit - Star 99.1

Princesses and their dates. Image Credit – Star 99.1

Banner Image: The Princesses and Their Dates. Image Credit – Star 99.1 


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This byline indicates that this article was penned by a member/members of the Staten Islander News Organization office team. Our staff writers are the backbone of our newspaper, performing all sorts of important tasks like conducting interviews, investigating leads, besides writing the news stories you see.

2 Comments

  • Avatar Janice says:

    So nice! Families are important. It’s fun spending time with your kids., They grow up fast. Don’t waste time overworking or watching football!

  • Avatar Shocked Jayee says:

    I like that there’s no skin color bias in this religion. Gives me hope.

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