How God Behind Bars pulled off Daddy Daughter dance at Angola Prison

The first father-daughter dance took place at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as infamous prison in Angola.

fatherswho had not seen their daughters in years stood in fitted tuxedos as they awaited the reunion, many of them wearing formal wear for the first time.

The daughters were able to enter the space, which had been converted into a ballroom, and dance a special dance that many had been waiting for their entire lives. childhood experience.

Louisiana State Penitentiary Hosts Father-Daughter Dance in Partnership with God Behind Bars

God behind barswhich is an organization that works to introduce prisoners to Christianity and connect them with the local church, partnered with Angola leadership to host a father-daughter dance.

Before the dance, the daughters were groomed by professional makeup artists, volunteers packed gift bags with donated beauty products, and Monique from Amor Suits created custom tuxedos for each father.

At the beginning of the event, each father presented his daughter with flowers, a Bible and a handwritten letter.

It was more than just a dance: Families were able to share a Thanksgiving meal prepared by volunteers, and a local Baton Rouge artist painted lively portraits of fathers and daughters.

The evening ended with a grand finale as the fathers performed a choreographed routine they had practiced several weeks ago.

“God Behind Bars” said in a press release that through lots of hugs, dancing together and making memories, the experience was centered on dignity, connection and restoration.

“I saw a group of men standing with pride and dignity, throwing off every label the world had ever placed on them. For one night they were not cellmates. They were dad…,” said Jake Bodine, founder of God Behind Bars, in a press release.

The evening was filled with many emotions for both fathers and daughters.

“When I turned around and saw my baby in that dress and she started crying, I started crying. I'm not a crybaby. We were dancing slow and she started crying again. I asked her why and she said, 'Daddy, I finally have my first chance to dance with you.' press release provided by God Behind Bars.

Assistant Warden Anne-Marie Easy noted how important the experience is for inmates and their families.

“I am so grateful to God behind bars for everything they did to make this event possible and such a success. This has given our inmates the opportunity to rebuild and build healthy relationships with their daughters despite their circumstances…” Legko said in a God Behind Bars press release.

Presley Beau Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect team for USA Today. Find her at X @PresleyTyler02 and email her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared in the Shreveport Times: A daddy's daughter dance was held in an Angola prison. This is how it went