Daddy-Daughter dance returns

A favorite activity of the year for one father is getting to take his teenage daughter to the annual Daddy Daughter Dance.  Jason Burk has been attending the dance with his teenage daughter Laila for many years.

"I love the Daddy Daughter dance even more now that my daughter is a teenager because my time with her is precious," Burk said. He encourages people to get tickets and come see the really tall guy (himself) do the limbo contest.

Girls in the valley can be thinking about dressing and fixing up for a fun night out with dad. A highlight of the year for many, the annual Daddy Daughter Dance takes place from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, May 6 at Owen High School.  The school's Key Club, a youth extension of the local Kiwanis Club, hosts this year's event for the 11th year.

The  "Dance Like an Egyptian"-themed event hopes to draw a large crowd of girls from second grade on, accompanied by dad or any other father-type figure. The event includes a catered dinner for guests, along with music and dancing.

"We love when any uncles, grandfathers, or any other father-type figures bring their girl to the dance," said Jackie Dirscherl, the Key Club staff liaison.

Dance tickets may be purchased at the Black Mountain-Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce and will be available until May 2 on a first-come basis. Cost is $30 for a pair, and $10 for each additional girl in your party. With limited tickets, those interested are encouraged to get tickets soon.  Many girls enjoy wearing semi-formal attire, however there is no expected dress.

Dirscherl said the dance serves as an important opportunity for Owen High to welcome the community inside the school's doors. The club is pleased to offer an event that helps family members nurture important relationships, she said.

The idea of the Daddy Daughter Dance came from former Owen High teacher and Key Club staff liaison Martha Griffin who was part of a Florida school that also held the dance. The response in the Swannanoa Valley has been so positive that the dance has continued year after year.  

Throughout the year, the Key Club engages in service projects at the school and around the community.