More than 200 dads and daughters could have danced all night at the first Lampeter-Strasburg Hans Herr Elementary Sweetheart dance for third-, fourth- and fifth-graders, held in the L-S YMCA on Saturday.

Third-grader Kamie Dombrowsky joined her father, Kaz Dombrowsky, in a disco classic, "Y.M.C.A.," by the Village People, which perfectly fit the dance venue.

Moving to the tunes, Kamie said, "Dad's a pretty good dancer."

The 100 other dads, granddads, uncles and stepdads grooved through the generations in a night directed by Martin Meylin Middle School teacher Debra Savoca.

And all was for a good cause.

The proceeds of $675 benefited the community group Santa's Helpers, which has helped L-S families over the holidays for the past 25 years.

"This past year they helped 75 children within the district by providing clothing, toys, and family gift cards for groceries," Savoca said.

The evening, which lasted 90 minutes, was filled with music, refreshments, friends and, most important, a new bond of music and dance between the fathers and their daughters.

"My hope is that both fathers and daughters take away from the dance the idea that it is important and fun to spend time alone together," Savoca said.

With an inspired dance to the song "Walk Like an Egyptian" by the Bangles, the young ladies dressed in formal attire, complete with corsages, and followed the lead of their dads, who remembered the moves from their younger days.

One of those dads, Tom Coleman, said, "This is a great community event in which I'm sure my daughter, Cameron (a third-grader), will teach me a few dance moves."

Jim Chartreau and his fifth-grade daughter, Olivia, practiced a "little bit" before they went out on the floor, where Olivia discovered her dad was a "good dancer."

David Manning, who danced with his third-grade daughter, McKenzie, liked how the community came together for the event.

Fourth-grader Karin Hostetter, who noted she wouldn't teach her ballet background to her father, Jason, on this night, said, "I liked being with my dad and friends."

Mike Fluhr, who works a distance from home, said that the event was a perfect opportunity to spend time with his daughter, third-grader Breanna.

Fifth-grader Kaci Barbour said, "It was fun to dance with my dad (Steve Barbour). I was surprised to see how good he was at doing the twist."

After an evening of spins and dips, the group had bonded in a way that only the music could have provided, which is exactly what the event organizer had intended.

Having her own Hans Herr Elementary fourth-grade daughter, Angela, Savoca saw the dance as a great opportunity for her husband, Joe, and daughter to interact in a special way.

Said Savoca, "Alone time together without other family members around opens up communication, allowing each to be open and honest about meaningful and personal matters."

She added that it doesn't have to be as formal as a dance, but just two hours a week together can encourage a positive father-daughter relationship.

"It could be reading books, taking walks, playing outside, watching a movie or making a meal together that can strengthen the bonds that can last a lifetime," said Savoca. She said she has had that kind of bond with her own dad, adding, "We are still very close today."

The event organizer noted that she was appreciative of the community support that the event received.

"I am thrilled that for a few hours, young girls and the special person in their lives created a lasting memory together," Savoca said. "All one had to do was to see the smiles on the faces of everyone to know the positive opportunity each had to form a bonding relationship."

She hopes that the Sweetheart Dance "might become a tradition for the Pioneers of Lampeter-Strasburg."