Brainerd UMC celebrates Valentine's Day with Father-Daughter Dance

Six-year-old Sophia Nasca and her 7-year-old sister Olivia may be too young to have male suitors, but they have a date to the upcoming Valentine's Day dance at Brainerd United Methodist Church.

Fathers and daughters of all ages are invited to waltz the night away at the Feb. 11 Father-Daughter Dance from 6-9 p.m.

photo Jimmy Nasca practices for the Father-Daughter Dance that is coming to Brainerd United Methodist Feb. 11, by twirling his two daughters Olivia, 7, left, and Sophia, 6.

The spacious ballroom setting decked out with chandeliers and red and pink carnations will create a Cinderella-like atmosphere. A photography booth and live DJ will bring life to the ball. Mothers will serve fondue, desserts and finger foods to guests.

"I think it's important for fathers to spend time with their daughters," said Harrison father Jimmy Nasca, who will escort his daughters Sophia and Olivia that evening. "It lays the foundation of when they have a real date how a gentleman should act and treat them."

Both girls said they look forward to their mother, Brainerd UMC Parents Day Out director and dance coordinator Emily Nasca, curling their hair and dressing them up. They have both picked out red dresses for the occasion.

"The staff and I feel so passionate about how parents should be role models instead of pop stars," said Emily Nasca. "When I was younger, in high school, my dad took me out on a date every two months so I could learn to let a guy open the door for me and treat me to dinner. It's really important to offer a community event for dads and daughters to have a special night out."

Her father, Dr. Walt, of Indiana, will travel to Brainerd UMC to dance with her that evening.

All couples in attendance will receive a 5-by-7-inch photo from Megan McGee Photography. Portraits will be made prior to the event at 5:30 p.m.

Emily Nasca said research shows that children who have an active father in their life achieve success in school.

Profits made from the event will create a Music Together program for Brainerd UMC Parents Day Out. The education program enrolls 97 students ages 6 weeks to 6 years old who take classes in Spanish, computers, tumbling and other subjects.

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