It’s believed that the tradition of daddy-daughter dances dates back to times when arranged marriages were common. The pair would join together in a dance signifying the bride’s release from her father’s care - as midway through the song she would be handed off to her new husband.

This past weekend the Gilpin County Community Center hosted its annual Daddy Daughter Dance & Dive. An estimated 100 guests showed up for the event. Special Events Coordinator Krystal Meyer and her team prepared a very welcoming and fun-filled evening.

The line of guests began shortly before 5:30 p.m. in anticipation of the doors opening and the fun commencing. Once daddies and daughters checked in, the crowd slowly headed toward the gym, where festivities abound.

Butterfly curtains greeted daddies and daughters as they entered the gym for dinner, kid-friendly drinks, and sweets. On the menu? Most kids’ favorite dish, pizza! Chips and fruits were also available as a side dish or a snack. For dessert, a mouth-watering variety of cupcakes. The scent of warm cheese over bread and sugar made it easy to feel excited.

The tables were lightly decorated with balloons and pastel colors, helping set the ambiance for the evening. Music played in the background as most of the girls took to the stage for some playing and balloon fun.

It didn’t take long before the dads joined them for a few moments of swaying and twirling. Some danced for one song while others danced for several. Laughter began to fill the air as daddies dipped their little girls at the end or let them swing on their arms like monkey bars.

By 6:45 p.m., those that wanted to stop dancing, crafting at the art table, or rock wall climbing, changed into swimsuits and headed to the pool for more entertainment. Floaties, water sliding, and cheer were the theme for the rest of the evening. Overall it was a fantastic night of food, music, dancing, playing, decorations, swimming, laughter, and friendly faces.

From weddings to quinceañeras, daddy-daughter dances have become part of traditions for many cultures. It not only allows for beautiful memories but also signifies one of many milestones in life.

The little princesses dressed in their finest weren’t getting married this evening. But perhaps this tradition of daddy-daughter dancing will be part of the memories these fathers and daughters share during the biggest day of both their lives.

The Gilpin County Community Center is located at 250 Norton Drive, Black Hawk, CO. They can be reached by phone at 303-582-1453. To learn more visit https:// gilpincounty.colorado.gov/exploregilpin/ parks-and-recreation Connect with them on social media at https:// www.facebook.com/gilpincounty.org.