If you’re planning a birthday party or school dance for a girl between the ages of 5 and 12, you may want to consider a “daddy/daughter princess dance or formal.” Every girl’s dream is to live in a castle, like a princess, complete. with castles, thrones, tiaras and crowns, and of course dad as her king. Most have imagined meeting at a royal ball, dancing until midnight, and living happily ever after.

Creating a “princess ball” theme will add a flair or touch of whimsy along with plenty of family ties, culminating in the perfect memorable event. Every year we are privileged to provide entertainment for one of these for the local Parks and Recreation department, it is truly a magical night.

Each girl receives a carnation upon entering the “princess ball” along with a special place card. On the back of the place card, you could put the lyrics to a special princess song. Steven Curtis Chapman’s “Cinderella” is a great example. Formal invitations can be sent inviting them to the royal engagement! The girls and their parents enjoy a royal evening with a special buffet catered by the venue, followed by an enchanted evening of dancing.

A major key to the success of this type of event is the disc jockey you hire and the music they play. You will want someone who has experience with this age group. Also, it’s especially important to hire someone with experience, as you’ll need to blend the music to appeal to both the young women and their parents or guests.

During dinner, the DJ can mix music to create the perfect atmosphere. The Disney princess selections work very well. Here’s a short list that has worked very well for some of the “daddy/daughter” dances we’ve done in the past.

Belle – Beauty and the Beast

Father and daughter: from “The Wild Thorn berries”

Kiss the girl- From “The Little Mermaid”

Thank heavens for girls – Gigi

You’ll Be In My Heart – From “Tarzan”

Something there – From “Beauty and the Beast”

Be our guest – Disney

Once upon a dream – From “Sleeping Beauty”

You’ve got a friend in me – From “Toy Story”

My Favorite Things: From “Sound of Music”

Again, music at these events is a very important factor, as dads need to bond with their daughters. Assistance is essential. The DJ should mix the fun and interactive family favorites, along with various slow songs for the “princesses” (daughters) to dance with their “kings” (dads). Whether it’s fast or slow, silly or sentimental, the floor should be full from the start.

Here are some great song ideas for after dinner, once the dancing has started:

Slow songs

Cinderella – Steven Curtis Chapman

Somewhere Over the Rainbow – From “50 First Dates”

My Little Girl – From “Flicka”

Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle

A Whole New World: From Aladdin

Can You Feel the Love Tonight – From “The Lion King”

fun interaction songs

Limbo

chicken dance

Macarena

Hokey Pokey

YMCA

slide cha cha

electric slide

Swing

Follow the leader

freeze dance

fast and fun songs

Shout!

See You Again – Miley Cyrus

double dutch bus

Fabulous- HS Musical 3

Cotton Eyed Joe – Rednex

Barbie Girl – Aquamarine

Who Let The Dogs Out – Baha Men

Disney’s Mambo #5 – Lou Bega

Depending on the group you’re planning the event for, you can mix in other fun options as well. Usually these events last about 3 hours, including dinner. Story time works well, especially if it’s for a birthday party. I have used “I would be your king, if you were my princess”. You could also incorporate a photomontage of the birthday girl or guest of honor. Another fun idea is a photo booth, where you or a hired friend or photographer take pictures of “girls with their dads.”

Whatever you decide to do, this theme will definitely make the young girls appreciate the relationships they have with their dads and it will bring their dads to tears as they will finally appreciate the event, creating memories that will last forever.