Daddy Daughter Dance

“I was one foot in the world and one foot in the church. But here at Angola, worship helped me truly find Jesus. Now I’ve got peace, even in prison.

I’ve got two daughters, Don V and Teagan. I’ve missed first days of school and dance recitals, but I can’t wait for the father-daughter dance — it’ll feel like we’re together outside, not just in a prison visit.”

“I’ve been incarcerated 20 years. My daughter was 28 days old when I came to prison, so I’ve missed her entire life — her first steps, first words, even prom. I’ve never danced with her, so this Father-Daughter Dance will be magical.

At my lowest point, I cried out to God, and He spoke to me. From that moment, I knew I was in the presence of the divine. Now I’m a minister, and I can’t wait to share this moment with my daughter. It’ll be something beautiful.”

“I’ve been incarcerated 17 years. My daughter is a 4.0 student, graduating this year, and I’m so proud of her. She’s got a beautiful smile and she made the right choices in life.

When I found Jesus, I dove into the Bible and never looked back. He’s my provider, my father, my friend — someone I can always count on.

At the Father-Daughter Dance, I’ll tell her, ‘You look so beautiful. Having this moment with you is priceless.’”

“I’ve been incarcerated 16 years. My daughter Gianna was just nine months old when I left, and now she’s 16 — driving, graduating early, getting ready for college. Even though we haven’t been together physically, we’ve always stayed connected, and she takes everything I say to heart.

This Father-Daughter Dance will be the most important visit we’ve ever had. I’ll finally get to look her in the eye and tell her what I need to tell her as her dad.”

“I’ve been incarcerated 15 years. My daughter Kanye is 16, about to turn 17, and she motivates me so much. When I call her in my darkest moments, she always tells me, ‘Dad, keep your head up. Keep praying. God’s going to make a way.’

At this dance, I’ll tell her how much I love her and apologize for all the years I’ve missed. I hope she forgives me, and I’ll make it up to her with this dance.”

“I’ve been incarcerated since my daughter was just a few months old. She’s 16 now — a beautiful young lady who plays volleyball — and I always try to encourage her and prepare her for life.

It’s been a year and a half since I’ve seen her, the longest time we’ve ever gone without being together. That’s why this Father-Daughter Dance means so much. I want to be the one to hold her, to show her how to two-step, so one day she can say, ‘My daddy taught me how to dance.’”

“I’ve been incarcerated almost 10 years. My daughter Chloe is outspoken, hardworking, and I’m so proud of her. I’ve missed a lot since I’ve been gone, but what I want most is just one dance with her — to have that memory together.

We danced once when she was a little girl, but this time will be different. I tell her I love her all the time, but when we dance, she’ll be able to feel it.”

“I’ve been incarcerated a little over three years. My daughter Presley is eight years old — beautiful, smart, and my whole world. She just started school, got new glasses she loves, and she wants us to have a father-daughter TikTok where we dance together.

As soon as I heard about the Father-Daughter Dance, I knew we had to have that moment. Presley, I love you, and I can’t wait to come home so we can make those TikToks and be famous.”

“I’ve been incarcerated almost 18 years, but I see my daughter often. She’s creative, charismatic, and loves to dance — she reminds me of me every time I look at her.

I’ve missed so many milestones, but I can’t wait for the Father-Daughter Dance. We’re competitive, so I’m excited to trade dance moves with her. More than anything, I want her to know she has a great father who loves her and is trying to be there in her life.”

“I’ve been incarcerated 10 years. My daughter is 16, and when I first heard about the Father-Daughter Dance, I was excited and hopeful — just to see her dressed up and share that moment together.

I’ve missed so many milestones, but this dance means a chance to catch up, to find common ground, maybe even some breakthroughs. If I could leave her with one message, it would be this: God loves you.”

“I’ve been incarcerated 15 years. My daughter Regina is 15, and the last time I saw her was 10 years ago when she was just five. I’ve missed her first day of school, so many milestones — now she’s on her high school dance team.

The Father-Daughter Dance means everything. Just the thought of us dancing together feels good. Regina, I’m sorry I left you and wasn’t thinking at the time. I love you.”

“I’ve been incarcerated almost nine years. I’ve missed so much — from kindergarten to seventh grade, sports, and just watching my kids grow.

When I first heard about the Father-Daughter Dance, I was excited. It gave me something to look forward to, something I don’t have day to day. I’ve never worn a suit before, but I can’t wait to take a picture with them and show them — no matter what, I love them.”

“I’ve been incarcerated seven and a half years, but I stay close with my daughter through calls and visits — they mean everything.

When I heard about the Father-Daughter Dance, I told her to put her dancer shoes on so I can see if she can really dance. I’ve never worn a suit before, so this will be special for both of us.

What I want her to take away is simple: regardless of my situation, we can still make things happen, smile, and have fun together.”

“I’ve been incarcerated seven years. My daughter Ay is 15 — smart, athletic, and she writes me often. One of my favorite memories is when she was two, helping me with plumbing by marking pipes with her fingernail polish. Since then, I’ve missed everything.

That’s why this Father-Daughter Dance means so much. I just want her to have a memory with me. The first thing I’ll tell her on the red carpet is, ‘You’re very beautiful. I love you. Thank you for coming.’”

“I’ve been incarcerated almost 10 years. My daughter is 11 now, but she was just a baby when I came to prison. The first time I saw her, I cried — it gave me so much joy.

I’ve missed almost everything since then, but the Father-Daughter Dance means a chance for her to see me in a different setting, dressed up. She loves to dance, and I’m excited for her to teach me. I just want her to know I love her — and to never let one thing define who she is.”

“I’ve been incarcerated 11 years. My daughter is 17 — she was taken from me at six months, and I just got custody of her two years ago. Now I’m making memories with her, letting her know she has a dad who loves her.

This Father-Daughter Dance means the world. It’s our first and last before she turns 18, so we’re going to make the best of it and dance the night away.”

“I’ve been incarcerated seven years. My daughter is seven — just a few months old when I came to prison. Being a father means everything to me: protector, guidance, someone she can rely on.

When I first heard about the Father-Daughter Dance, I was anxious but grateful. I always wondered if I’d get the chance to take my own daughter. Now I do. I want her to remember one thing: that daddy loves her, despite the situation, and we’ll make the best of it.”

“I’ve been incarcerated seven years. I’m a father of six daughters — my oldest is 18 and my youngest are 13, 11, and 10. I haven’t seen my youngest girls since they were babies, so this Father-Daughter Dance will mean the world to me.

It’s a memory I’ll always hold on to. I’ve never worn a suit before, but when I put it on I’ll feel important — like a real businessman. More than anything, I’ve always wanted all my daughters together.”

“I’ve been incarcerated eight years. My daughter is 11 — my best friend, my number one girl, my supporter. She helps me get through this.

When I first heard about the Father-Daughter Dance, I felt like I had a second chance. Visits are always divided with siblings and others around, but this will just be me and her. I want her to never forget it.”

“I’ve been incarcerated three years. My daughter is 17 — my only child, my heart, my everything. My whole life with her is my favorite memory.

This will be our first Father-Daughter Dance. I’m looking forward to holding her, dancing with her, and laughing with her. I just want her to have fun and make this the best memory ever.”

“I’ve been incarcerated eight years. My daughter is nine, and I came to prison when she was just nine months old. I’ve missed her whole life — her first day of school, her first time getting her hair done, everything.

This Father-Daughter Dance will be our very first memory together. My daughter is my life, and I’m so grateful she’s taking the time at nine years old to be here for me.”

“I’ve been incarcerated three years. My daughter Ry is five — my whole world. Every memory with her is my favorite, just being her dad and taking her to the park.

I haven’t seen her since 2022, so this Father-Daughter Dance means everything. It’ll be overwhelming to finally hold her again, but it’s the best feeling I could imagine.”

“I’ve been incarcerated 10 months. One of my favorite memories is the day my daughter was born — I was just overjoyed.

This Father-Daughter Dance means spending quality time together. I don’t really dance, so maybe she can teach me. And I’ve never worn a suit before, so even that will be special.”

“I’ve been incarcerated two years. My daughters are 16 and 17 — my everything, my rock.

When I heard about the Father-Daughter Dance, I knew they’d love it. It’s one of the best opportunities I could have — to be face-to-face, talking, laughing, listening to music, and catching up.

What I want them to know is this: you still got a dad. My love is never ending.”

“I’ve been incarcerated six years. I have two daughters, Chloe (12) and Carly (6). This Father-Daughter Dance means the world because it’ll be the first time they meet each other in person.

I know there will be a lot of emotions, but it’s worth it. I want them to always remember this: daddy still loves you.”

“I’ve been incarcerated since 2016. My daughter is 8, soon to be 9. This will be only the third time I’ve been in her presence, so it means everything.

The Father-Daughter Dance strengthens our bond. Putting on a suit with her makes me feel like I’ve achieved something — but more than that, I just want her to know I love her and for her to remember this joy forever.”

“I’ve been incarcerated 22 and a half years. My daughter is about to be 13, and this dance will be her birthday celebration too.

I’m nervous but excited — this is our first, not just hers. What I want her to take away is that she deserves to be treated with love, honor, and respect. She means everything to me.”

“I’ve been incarcerated since 2019. My daughters are my world — the reason I keep going, the reason I push to be a better man.

This Father-Daughter Dance means I finally get to share a memory with them face-to-face. I can’t give back the time I’ve missed, but I’ll be here going forward. The first thing I’ll do is hug them and cry.

What I want them to know is simple: I love you.”

“I’ve been incarcerated 16 years. My daughters are everything — besides God, they’re my whole world.

When I heard about the Father-Daughter Dance, I cried. I’ve missed so many moments, but this is a chance to make memories with them, even here.

Wearing a suit feels like freedom. For one night, I won’t feel like I’m in prison — I’ll just be a dad at a dance with his girls.”

“I’ve been incarcerated 13 years. My daughter was only three when I left, and I’ve missed so many milestones — graduations, pageants, even the little things like donuts with dad.

When I heard about the Father-Daughter Dance, I said it was mandatory for me to be part of it. This will be the first time she’s ever seen me in a suit.

I just want her to hold onto the memory, to know that I love her, and to feel the freedom of that night with me.”