Daddies' Little Girls

Daddies and daughters share a special bond.  What better way to celebrate that cherished relationship than a father spending the afternoon sipping tea and dancing with his precious little girl.

Such was the case Sunday afternoon at the Father-Daughter Valentine’s Tea Party hosted by Suwanee Academy of the Arts. In its second year, the event boasted a list of 24 daddy-daughter couples who were treated to an unforgettable time together.

Co-founder and artistic director Ms. Bernie (as she’s called) welcomed the princesses and kings into the party room, which was lavishly adorned with beautiful purple draping and giant pink bows. Floor-level tables covered in pink and set with fine china elegantly dotted the room, and the guests were treated to magic pink tea and festively decorated Valentine’s cookies.

Ms. Bernie regaled the attendees with the story of “The Twelve Dancing Princesses.” As a special treat, the kings and princesses participated in the telling of the story by adding responses and sound effects when prompted.

Perhaps the favorite activity of the afternoon for both daddies and daughters was the dancing. They were all smiles as they kicked up their heels to the Chicken Dance, the Macarena, the Electric Slide, the Hokie Pokie and even a waltz.  As the party came to a close, the kings held their princesses close for one last dance to Bob Carlisle’s “Butterfly Kisses.” Anyone familiar with this beautiful song, about a daddy’s sentimental reflection on his daughter growing up, can probably imagine that there was scarcely a dry eye in the room.

Although appearing a little weary by the end of the afternoon, kings and princesses alike seemed to thoroughly enjoy this special time together.

Nora Grady, 4, of Lawrenceville said of her favorite part of the afternoon, “I liked drinking the lemonade.” Her favorite dance was “the chicken one” and she said that as part of her plans for Valentine’s Day she is going to "… make a heart.”

Haley McClure, 5, of Suwanee was happy to share that she had the most fun eating. “Cookies and tea, that’s my favorite,” McClure said with a huge grin. When asked what she enjoyed most about being there with her daddy, Hayley quickly answered “The Dancing.” Haley’s dad, Matt, shared that this was her first time attending the event.

Hostesses and co-founders of Suwanee Academy of the Arts, Patty Etherton, CEO, and Ms. Bernie, were thrilled with the afternoon, especially with being able to provide this special opportunity for the daddies and their daughters.

Smiling, Ms. Bernie said her favorite part of the afternoon is “When the daddies hold the little girls and dance cheek-to-cheek. It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day.”

Etherton added that “… just seeing the dads with their daughters is so precious. They get that one-on-one attention that they usually don’t get. It’s just great!”