Valentine’s Dances are a World Apart

Land O’ Lakes parents who want something special for their kids do to for Valentine’s Day have two options on the table if dancing is in their blood.

Those options, however, are as different as night and day.

Get Dolled up for the Father-Daughter Dance

The will once again play host to its Father-Daughter Dance. This dance is for dads and daughters who want to get all dolled up and spend a night cutting a rug.

“The Father-Daughter Dance is going to be a magical evening full of music, dancing, raffles and a whole lot of fun,” said Cindy Szappan, recreation supervisor.

The idea for a Valentine’s Day father-daughter dance was born two years ago when Elena Ruggiero, a recreation leader at the complex, suggested it. The former floral designer was talking about how popular corsages were for father-daughter events and one thing led to another. The dance has been such a hit, it’s returned every year since.

This year’s dance takes place Feb. 17 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The cost is $10 a pair with each additional child $5.

For more information, stop by the recreation complex, 3032 Collier Parkway, where tickets are already available.

“This event will be an unforgettable evening for fathers and their daughters,” Szappan said.

Anti-Valentine’s Lets Teens Cut Loose

Parents probably won’t want to attend this annual dance that takes place at the and features music, food and games throughout the night.

The Anti-Valentine’s Dance is a tradition at the library, organizers say. It’s designed to give teens an alternative to the sappy, mushy stuff so commonly associated with the holiday.

“A Valentine’s dance is too plain,” explained Mandy Bacon, a member of the library’s Teen Advisory Board, in a previous interview.

To ensure this dance isn’t “plain,” teens decorate with plenty of broken hearts, avoid fancy dress and even smash candy hearts.

There’s no cost to attend, but a VIP room remains open throughout the evening. Inside the room, teens that pay a $5 entry fee can enjoy pizza, Monster energy drinks and video games. Money raised from the VIP room goes to the Friends of the Library to help offset the costs of this year’s Battle of the Bands, said Paul Stonebridge, the library system’s teen services manager.

The Anti-Valentine’s Dance is open to kids ages 11 to 18. They don’t need a “date,” there’s “no fancy dress” and they’re welcome to bring their own decorations to add to the ambiance – or lack thereof, Stonebridge said.

Anti-Valentine’s also takes place Feb. 17. The fifth-annual event runs from 7 to 10 p.m. at the library, 2818 Collier Parkway.

Donations are being sought for snacks for the dance and also for the VIP room. Anyone interested in helping can call Stonebridge at 813-391-0668.