In order to help with overcrowding and flow we create several areas in which daughters and their daddies can interact. One area was set up outside, this was our soda shop. We had ice cream and soda to create soda floats as well as a few sweet treats for the girls to enjoy. 
Our PTO moms and some middle school volunteers dressed up in 50's attire and served as soda shop hops prepping and delivering to several tables set up near by. To jazz up our school courtyard area we made checkerboard banners out of white and black butcher paper . We adorned them with the adorable sweets balloon banner and some colorful tissue fans and tassel banners. We added some rockin 50's dessert plates and rockin 50's sundaes to dress up the soda shop area. 
Centerpieces were made from mason jars, we added some rice to weigh it down and glued the hanging records onto a dowel placed in the center. A few scraps of left over vinyl tablecloth were added in for a pop of color. Each one had soda shop trivia to get the girls and their daddies interacting. Around the centerpiece we scattered the rockin 50's dessert plates. Since we were decorating an outside courtyard wind was an issue, so we taped all of the centerpieces to the table for stability. 
Inside we decorated a few key areas to help transform our Cafeteria. We welcomed our guests in with this personalized marquee arch sign. I love that we can use it year after year. It is made from sturdy cardboard and added just the right touch above the door as our guests entered the dance. 
Balloons really helped to transform our cafeteria, we added several clusters of balloons and just let them go. Their ribbons were just within reach for the dads to grab a few for their girls. This added some much needed color to our boring cafeteria and also provided lots of giggles and excitement for the girls. 
We used the pink vinyl tablecloth rolls to cover the columns. We added some fun rope lighting and large milkshakes made from poster board. We added string lights to help with the dance atmosphere. The cafeteria quickly became a 50's dance spot. 
We added rock n roll signs, records and tissue fans to doors, windows and walls to help make the space more inviting and colorful. These items helped with the overall transformation of the cafeteria. 
Towards the back of the cafeteria we set aside an area for fun and games. A hopscotch board was made from washi tape and some hula hoops were set out for the girls to play with. Since we had girls from Kindergarten to fifth grade we wanted to be sure that there were engaging areas to keep them all entertained. 
We provided a few areas for pictures both formal and candid. We found hiring a professional photographer works best. If you happen to have one at your school that's even better! Have them donate their skills in exchange for advertising at the dance. They set up on the stage and had an area devoted to formal photos of the daddies and daughters. 
We also set up a more candid shot area using the rockin 50's backdrop and the rockin 50's vintage car standout. The couples were encouraged to use some of the big hair photo stick props to add some fun to their shots. This area was the life of the party. The little girls in their poodle skirts and 50's attire just loved all of the props. 
On the stage we had a DJ, also a parent volunteer. Remember when you are putting on an event like a dance ask around to see what types of talents your parents can contribute to make your event special. Our business partners all pitched in and provided some element, whether it was the favors, soda, entertainment or time to make this event a special night for our girls. 
These sweet girls danced the night away with their daddies! Such a sweet event, one that I hope continues for years to come. 
