The Dads’ Club’s long-standing tradition is continuing this year at the Father-Daughter Dance. With the help of sophomore student council, the Dads’ Club is completing its 35th year of this special and loving tradition.
Since the beginning of the annual event in 1987, the locations changed gradually. The Father-Daughter Dance started on Xavier College Preparatory’s campus in Lutfy Hall, then Vestar Hall, and then moved off campus. The last one to take place off-campus was at the Phoenix Art Museum five years ago.
Upon moving the dances back to XCP four years ago, the dances have been more theme-coordinated. At the 2023 Father-Daughter Dance this March, the theme will be “Boots and Bling,” decided upon by the sophomore student council.
Every year, the sophomore student council picks the theme and helps with activities for the Father-Daughter Dance. Dads’ Club representatives meet with the council early on, and they work together to make aspects of the event come together.
Along with making the dances fun and organized, there is a purpose to the Father-Daughter Dance, as well as for the Dads’ Club.
“The four years at Xavier go by so fast and [dads] have to cherish these opportunities and spend that quality time with [daughters] before they go off to college,” said Melissa Peña, sophomore student council Moderator.
“Participating in the Dads’ Club helps to create a closer connection with what is happening at Xavier and the community. The four years at Xavier go by fast, so being engaged is important,” said Brian Boubek, chair of the Father-Daughter Dance.
At the Father-Daughter Dance event, it may even be the last time a dad will get to dance with his daughter before she gets married, said Jeri Butts, Dads’ Club liaison.
Not only is this event for fathers and their daughters, but also for those Xavier students who may not have a father-figure in their lives. Everyone is welcome to the Father-Daughter Dance, and the Dads’ Club wants everyone to be able to attend.
A possible hindrance to the attendance of the Father-Daughter Dance would be the concurrence of the Taylor Swift “The Eras Tour” and this Dads’ Club event.
“We are hoping to get some dads and daughters on the announcements to advertise the event, as we want everyone to be able to attend,” said Butts.
Looking forward to the events of the Father-Daughter Dance, an attendee will find food trucks and games reflecting the theme, “Boots and Bling.” Activities include a mechanical bull, corn hole and a bull-ring toss.
Come celebrate and enjoy the dance on March 18 with your dad or your friend’s dad!
