Shane Rasmussen, of Ypsilanti, dances with his two daughters, Ella, 9, left, and Sadye, 7 at the Daddy Daughter Dance on Friday.

Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com

Dads, grandpas, uncles and girls of all ages flocked to the second annual Daddy Daughter Dance on Friday evening to enjoy the music, treats, and balloons that filled the gymnasium of the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center.

They came in their finest: dads in their suits and ties, girls in their favorite dresses. For some this meant Disney princess gowns, or leftover Halloween costumes. 

When asked if it took a long time for Juliana Boyd, 12, to get ready, she hesistated, then turned to her father, Michael Boyd. “The answer you want to say is yes,” her dad said, and Juliana nodded. “It’s the hair, drying it and stuff,” her dad explained.

The dad-and-daughter pairs twirled, jumped, and clapped to dance classics like the “Y.M.C.A.” and the chicken dance and artists like Katy Perry.

Kelsi Rogala, 11, had no problem keeping up. “She’s a terrific dancer,” said her great-uncle, Mike Glass. “Hip-hop, ballet, she does it all. I can’t stay with her, that’s why we’re resting,” Glass said while sipping punch.

The dance drew nearly double the amount of people as it did in its first year, according to Rhonda Petty, the event’s organizer, who had to cap attendance based upon the amount of supplies. Petty called the dance a “community staple.”

“It's something really special for dads and daughters,” she said.

What was special seemed to be the chance for dads and daughters to have one-on-one time together. Many dads expressed how difficult it can be to spend time individually with their girls, particularly those who work a lot, or are often distracted with other children.

John Wilson said he “couldn’t resist” bringing his daughter, Alida, 6. 

“I have five kids, so it’s hard to spend any time with them individually. We’re both enjoying this,” Wilson said.

Anish Wadhwa, with his daughter, Lilia, 2, echoed Wilson’s sentiments. 

“I’m not home most days, so this is a welcome opportunity to spend time just the two of us,” Wadhwa said.

Though only 2, Lilia seemed to be a dancing natural. Wadhwa said they often dance before bed to burn off energy, “but it’s nice to do it outside of the house.”

The night held special significance for some. Lonni Mitchell of Ypsilanti brought his daughter, Alexis, 9, who has cerebral palsy. “This is our first outing together,” he said.  

Mitchell said that other family members are always around, and that he was excited to spend time with the daughter he called a miracle child, who weighed only 14 ounces at birth.

“We decided we’d come out and enjoy ourselves,” Mitchell said. When asked if she was having fun, Alexis smiled from ear to ear. “That means yes,” said her father.

Arianne Traurig is an intern with the AnnArbor.com Community Team. Have a story idea? Email community@annarbor.com.