Mandy Walton

Fathers and daughters twirl on the dance floor.

By Mandy Walton

Published Monday, Feb. 9, 2009 | 3:35 p.m.

Updated Monday, Feb. 9, 2009 | 3:36 p.m.

Mandy Walton

K.C. Mitchell and daughters Savanah and Allie make crafts during the dance.

The old saying that 'dad is a girl's first love' couldn't have been more correct. Little girls got to dance the night away with their dads Saturday night at the "Daddy-Daughter Dance" held at the Black Mountain Recreation Center. The dance was packed with girls decked out in beautiful dresses and some dads donning suits and corsages.

"My daughter looks forward to this every year," said Bryan White, father of Josey, 9. "Mom takes her on a special shopping trip for the dress and then I don't see it until the night of the dance."

For $10, dads and daughters got to dance, have refreshments, get their pictures taken, and make crafts, all set to a Valentine's Day theme. This was the third year that the Black Mountain Recreation Center has hosted the event.

"She just loves this. I've told my buddies that you've got to do this while they're young, because then it's over," he said, talking about how fast kids grow.

It truly was a sight to see, all these little girls and their dads. Everyone was so well-behaved, and acted very mature.

"[Fathers and daughters] can spend a whole day together and never get any real quality time," said Tanya Myers, recreation services supervisor. "This is a good way for fathers and daughters to bond."

This year's event was held in the large meeting rooms of the recreation center, but because of the event's size and popularity, it will be moved into the gym next year, organizers said.

There's no doubt that a handful of girls in Henderson went home feeling extra-special to their father's after the dance. Dads taking the time out to escort a little woman to something like this was very heartwarming to witness, and quite frankly, the cutest thing I have ever seen. Even I can't wait for next year!