Father and daughter create a lasting memory

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) – Nick Houchin works hard, juggling many tasks on his farm and ranch. But there’s one thing he doesn’t do…

“He definitely doesn’t dance. We have been married for 24 years. Never danced together,” said April Houchin, Nick’s wife.

However, parents’ normal lifestyle tends to change when children are involved. This is what prompted Nick not just to dance, but to take up ballet.

“You know, I’ve only danced twice in my life,” Nick said.

But her daughter’s special request began to turn into an unlikely event.

Unlike her father, Berkley practically lived on the dance floor from childhood. She has already excelled in dance and ballet and is destined for a great career in achieving her dreams.

“My biggest dream is to be in some troupe, to dance, to stage “The Nutcrackers”, “Swan Lakes”, to participate in all the big shows, to be a ballet soloist. Or being a Radio City Rockette has always been my big dream,” said Berkley Houchin, a senior at Amarillo High School.

Although Berkeley grew up with Nick on the ranch for a time, she wanted father and daughter to leave their world before spreading their wings and leaving the nest and their parents. Therefore, she turned to her father with a special request.

“I really always wanted him to dance with me. As I have done since I was a little girl, I stood on his feet and we took two steps. So I really wanted to capture that final moment of growing up and just record it and be able to play it back and show it to my kids,” Berkley said.

Nick was startled by this request.

“My daughter, I mean, she’s a grown woman and she’s going to leave. And that really hurt me,” Nick said. “And I thought, ‘You know what, she’s a grown woman,’ you know, and my time in the house with her was almost over.”

“At first he looked at me like I was crazy. He’s like, “Berkeley, what?” What do you want me to do now?’” Berkley said.

But Nick stepped forward and the dance began. Through some instruction and practice, a special memory was forged.

“It was a lot of work. I think it took us about an hour and 15 minutes to put this whole deal together. And I was sweating, I was definitely sweating,” Nick said.

“He really got into his groove and never gave up on me. Everyone was safe and I was very proud of the way he did it,” Berkley said.

“As soon as they started dancing together, we were all very emotional and they made a memory that will last a lifetime,” April said.

While dancing, they penetrated each other’s hearts, giving advice to others…

“Really just take the time and celebrate with your parents,” Berkley said.

“I mean, as long as you have memories like that, what else is there to live for?” – Nick asked.

This is good news.

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