The Hyatt Regency Greenwich transformed into a Grecian scene of song and dance February 7 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. as Sacred Heart Greenwich hosted its annual Upper School Father-Daughter Dinner Dance. Approximately 300 Upper School students attended the event with their fathers or male guests, celebrating the longstanding tradition that honors the special bond between fathers and daughters within the Sacred Heart community.
Each year, members of the Upper School Parent Association select a theme for the dance to create an atmosphere that resonates with the student body. This year, mothers of the senior class chose the theme “Mamma Mia!” which shaped the decor, music, and overall ambiance of the evening. As guests entered the space, a massive Greek flag framed by towering pillars wrapped in lush greenery greeted them, instantly transforming the venue into a Mediterranean escape. Inside, guests entered to find a lively photo booth, a sprawling dance floor packed with energy, and a DJ who kept the celebration going throughout the night. A diverse food buffet offered something for everyone, adding to the festive and immersive experience. Together, these elements brought the “Mamma Mia!” theme to life and created a vibrant, unforgettable night for students and their fathers, grandfathers, and uncles.
The Father-Daughter Dinner Dance holds particular significance for the senior class, as it marks one of their final traditions with their fathers before graduation. The evening also featured a performance by the senior fathers, known as the Dadrigals, who took the stage to dedicate a song and dance routine to their daughters.
The Dadrigals began rehearsing for the performance several weeks prior. They started December 10 and practiced all the way into the first week in February. The group practiced one to two evenings each week under the direction of Ms. Lora Haskins, Executive Director at the Studio for Performing Arts in New Canaan, and Ms. Cassie Austin, the organization’s dance instructor. Rehearsals focused on learning choreography, practicing vocals, and memorizing lyrics to parodies of ABBA songs such as Dancing Queen, Voulez-Vous, and Super Trouper.
For many of the fathers involved, the experience was both meaningful and bittersweet. Senior Nina Ventura’s father, Mr. Len Ventura, reflected on the significance of the night and the community he has found within the Dadrigals.
“Knowing this was the last Father-Daughter Dance made it especially emotional,” Mr. Ventura said. “It’s hard to believe how fast the years have gone, but the night gave us a chance to spend quality time together. Being a part of the Dadrigals also gave me time to connect with dads who are doing the same thing.”
For many students, the Dadrigals’ performance stands out as the most memorable part of the evening. Nina shared why the performance felt especially meaningful during her final Father-Daughter Dance.
“Seeing my dad perform on stage, surrounded by all my classmates, made the night really special and fun” Nina said. “The night was really really memorable from the singing and dancing to the music.”
Throughout the evening, students and fathers filled the dance floor, took photo booth photos, and celebrated a tradition that continues to strengthen bonds across generations. Families cherish the dance as a Sacred Heart tradition, bringing them together and reinforcing the close-knit community that defines life on King Street.
Reflecting on the night as a whole, Nina described how the tradition has shaped her experience at Sacred Heart. She highlighted how the Father-Daughter dance celebrates family while also bringing together the student body.
“The night celebrates the bond between fathers and daughters and brings the entire community together” Nina said. “Having been at Sacred Heart since Lower School, traditions like this have always been a meaningful part of my experience.”
Featured Image by Michaela White ’26
