Des Plaines dads, daughters are royalty for one night

With magic in the air and stardust in their eyes, 120 of Des Plaines’ local royalty danced the night away at the park district’s Father-Daughter Dance on Feb. 12. The event drew 51 couples to the Royal Ballroom at the Administrative and Leisure Center.

Young princesses and their dance partners were introduced by master of ceremonies, Jacob Szczesniak. A catered dinner, games and portraits taken by members of the Des Plaines Camera Club were part of the evening, that also included the park district’s in-house dance company Artistry in Motion, which performed four numbers from their upcoming Spring Spectacular.

The evening of music and dancing spanned the generations — from Sinatra to Justin Bieber.

The princesses ranged in age from 3-14.

“This is our special evening together, just me and the girls,” said Paul Folino, father of three.

“Ava and I look forward to this night every year,” added Gene Williams.