• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • Family

This at-home father-daughter dance will warm your heart

0:49
This dad took his daughters to an 'at-home' daddy-daughter dance
Janelle McAloon
Genevieve Shaw-Brown
ByGenevieve Shaw Brown
April 24, 2020, 8:32 PM

When a 6-year-old girl was heartbroken over missing her school's father-daughter dance, her parents made her a magical experience at home.

"We had already picked out dresses for it," Janelle McAloon told "Good Morning America," calling the dance a "special moment" her husband and their daughter look forward to every year.

"My husband mentioned we should do one for her at home. Of course, me being the crazy, over-the top mom that I am, I didn’t hesitate to make the dream a reality."

The theme was Disney, the family's favorite place.

Ava and her little sister Lilly, 2, received an invitation to a ball "fit for a princess" in the "royal living room."

Related Articles

MORE: I tried 'unschooling' my kids and here's what I learned

Editor’s Picks

These preschool teachers for students with autism keep their classrooms connected

  • Apr 23, 2020

Mom's COVID-19 time capsule activity is what we need during quarantine

  • Apr 22, 2020

Related Articles

MORE: Working mom's clip chart is the hilarious life hack we all need right now

"They both couldn’t believe it and they spent all day wondering what the night would bring, and it was so fun to see what their imagination came up with," McAloon said. "My husband kept them busy with games and playing outside while I was setting up the room for the big reveal."

The Seekonk, Massachusetts, mom said when her husband Josh saw his daughters all dressed up it "brought a tear to my eyes."

As for Ava, her reaction was "priceless," McAloon said. "Her jaw dropped when she saw the room," McAloon's mother said.

Josh McAloon said he hopes the experience will also teach their daughters a positive life lesson.

"Having the ability to spend this time with my daughters and show them no matter the challenges you face, having a positive attitude and a desire to achieve can always bring light in tough times," he said.

Disney is the parent compant of ABC News and Good Morning America.

Editor's note: This was originally published on April 24, 2020.

Editor’s Picks

These preschool teachers for students with autism keep their classrooms connected

  • Apr 23, 2020

Mom's COVID-19 time capsule activity is what we need during quarantine

  • Apr 22, 2020

Up Next in Family—

Doctor delivers 2 sets of twins on his 34th birthday

April 14, 2026

'Duck Dynasty' star Sadie Robertson Huff opens up about 8-month-old daughter's choking incident

April 13, 2026

Wife remembers husband who died saving kids from rip current

April 8, 2026

Parents of 3 open up about facing cancer together at the same time

April 8, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News