How God Behind Bars organized a Daddy Daughter dance at Angola Prison

For the first time in history, Louisiana State Penitentiary, commonly known as Angola Prison, hosted a special father-daughter dance. Fathers, some seeing their daughters after many years, wore tailored tuxedossome for the very first timeas they awaited the heartfelt reunion. Their daughters entered a hall transformed into a glittering ballroom, sharing a dance that many had dreamed of throughout their childhood.

The event was organized in collaboration with God Behind Bars, a ministry dedicated to connecting inmates with Christianity and local churches, alongside Angola Prison leadership. Leading up to the dance, daughters received professional makeup services, volunteers assembled gift bags filled with donated beauty products, and Monique from Amor Suits designed bespoke tuxedos for each father.

As the evening began, each father presented his daughter with flowers, a Bible, and a handwritten letter. Beyond the dance, families shared a Thanksgiving meal prepared by volunteers, while a Baton Rouge artist created live portraits of the father-daughter pairs. The celebration culminated in a choreographed performance by the fathers, rehearsed for weeks in advance.

According to God Behind Bars, the event emphasized dignity, connection, and restoration. For one night they were not inmates. They were Dad, said Jake Bodine, founder of the organization. The evening was filled with emotional moments as fathers and daughters embraced, danced, and created lasting memories.

Leslie Harris shared the impact of the experience: When I saw my daughter in her dress and she started crying, I couldnt hold back. We slow-danced and she cried again, telling me, Dad, I finally get to dance with you. Moments like this inspire you to be better.

Assistant Warden Anne-Marie Easely highlighted the importance of the event for both inmates and their families. I am so grateful to God Behind Bars for making this possible. It allowed inmates to strengthen and restore bonds with their daughters despite their circumstances, she said.

Author: Gavin Porter