“She’s been practicing her moves all week,” laughed one proud dad, straightening his tie as he led his daughter onto the dance floor at the Chatelech Secondary School gym. This heartfelt moment epitomized the spirit of joy and connection at the 26th annual Dad and Me Dance, hosted by the Rotary Club of the Sunshine Coast-Sechelt.
The cherished event, celebrated this year on May 13, began humbly in 1999 with just 20 participants. It was created to provide dads and daughters with an exclusive opportunity to bond through a special outing. “Initially, 26 years ago, there weren’t many activities specifically aimed at dads and daughters,” noted Tanya Hall, a longtime organizer. “We wanted something special for them, an event that fostered relationships in a memorable way.”
From these modest beginnings, the Dad and Me Dance has grown exponentially, now regularly reaching its 400-person capacity. This year, tickets sold rapidly, highlighting how beloved the tradition has become. Organizers were fielding requests as early as six months in advance, a testament to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the event. The evening offered more than just dancing. With VideoMax Dance setting up a giant screen playing music videos, dazzling lights filled the gym. Outside, dads and daughters posed at the photobooth run by Dazi Creative Photobooth and DJ Rentals, capturing smiles and special moments to treasure.
Children eagerly lined up at various stations, including a Spin & Win wheel with exciting prizes such as jewellery, makeup, stuffed animals, stickers and even tiaras. Dads could try their chances at a 50/50 draw or a raffle consisting of incredible items donated by local businesses while the girls left with a goody bag meticulously packed with swag from local merchants making the end of the evening as delightful as the beginning.
Perhaps most poignant were the stories of generational participation. “We now have daughters attending whose mothers once danced here as girls,” Tanya Hall reflected. Indeed, some fathers have become emotional when attending their last dance, knowing their youngest child has reached the event’s age limit of 12 years. Yet the Rotary Club keeps these connections alive by encouraging past attendees to return as volunteers through the high school’s Interact club.
Beyond the immediate joy of the evening, the Dad and Me Dance serves a larger community purpose. Funds raised go towards both local initiatives—such as youth leadership camps, exchange programs and graduation scholarships—and Rotary International’s ongoing campaign to eradicate polio. Past Rotary member Janet Stevens emphasized how meaningful the community’s involvement is, saying, “Without the generous support from local merchants, sponsors, and countless volunteers, this event simply wouldn’t be possible. It’s a true community effort.”
Local sponsorships have not only sustained this tradition but have changed lives for 26 years. Their contributions have funded scholarships, leadership opportunities, and youth development programs that resonate far beyond the dance floor. The Rotary Club expresses heartfelt thanks to every sponsor who has made this magical evening possible—and invites new community partners to join in shaping joyful memories for future generations.
Looking ahead, organizers plan to continually enhance the event while retaining its cherished traditions. Hall summed it up beautifully: “This dance isn’t just a fun night; it’s about creating lasting memories. It’s about dads and daughters having a magical experience together.” As the 26th Dad and Me Dance concluded, the vibrant images of smiling faces, twirling dresses, and heartfelt embraces affirmed its enduring place in the heart of the community—a treasured tradition sure to continue delighting generations to come.
