MENOMINEE, MICH. – While the weather might be cold outside, the Greater Marinette-Menominee YMCA is getting ready to burn up the dance floor at their upcoming Disco Daughter Dance and Glow & Groove Son Dance.
Michell Hampton, financial development director, shared that these son and daughter dances have been going on for over 25 years as a way to provide families an opportunity to spend more time together.
When Hampton first began overseeing these dances 10 years ago they were presented as father-daughter or mother-son dances. However, in recent years her team at the YMCA “realized that the family units look completely different and are completely changing.”
With keeping small or changing family units in mind, the YMCA shifted the aim of their dances to focus less on specific relationships and more on the children themselves.
“We thought it would be a little bit more welcoming to try to recognize how family units are changing,” Hampton continued, “we really would love for people to feel included when they come and not have that barrier to come if they don’t have someone that fits in that role.”
By removing any labels that could sway families into feeling like they don’t belong, the YMCA is able to promote healthy togetherness at a substance-free event. This produces lasting memories while also building social skills and connections as well as positive mental health and emotions.
To further encourage family attendance and promote togetherness, there is no set dress code for the son or daughter dances.
Hampton shared that “some families like to make a whole day and they go and get their hair done…do pedicures or manicures, do a nicer dinner and then come to the dance” or come in their danceable casual wear.
The focus is just to “spend time with your child, it doesn’t matter what you’re wearing,” she added.
Those interested in attending the upcoming dances call the YMCA or register online. Hampton recommends that for ease of attendance adults register under the primary registration and children under the secondary registration as all adults must pass a sex-offender list background check.
Admission for the dances is $20 for members and their household or $30 for non-members. The admission cost supplements other programs to allow the YMCA to offer free or reduced charge events.
The Disco Daughter Dance is Sat., Feb. 8 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the Groove & Glow Son Dance is Sat., March 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Greater Marinette and Menominee YMCA at 1600 West Dr., Menominee, Mich.
Visit www.mmymca.org for more information.
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