Putting on a Sock Hops

Movies depicting the fifties and sixties often show shock hops with young men and women dancing to great music while wearing the latest fashion of their day. By the end of the sixties decade, however, they had almost completely disappeared. As many of those young people grew older, they wanted to relive their high school days, so sock hop themed parties have made a comeback.

Sock hop dances started out with teachers asking their students to take off their shoes at high school dances, so not to scratch up the dance floor. Kids started dancing in their socks, ushering in a phrase that is now synonymous with the 50's and 60's.

The young teens would kick off their shoes and dance around in their socks. This started a new cultural trend that lasted all through the 50s and most of the 60s.

Soon, the term sock hop, or soc hop was used to describe teen parties and dances. Young people during this time period would come together to dance and enjoy the music, appropriately called Rock 'n' Roll! Some adults thought the name was derogatory, but soon they realized it was just a description of dance moves taken on by some of the rock singers.

Sock hops in many ways were a way for teens to kick off their troubles and get out and enjoy music with their friends. Sock hops were enjoyed mostly at high school auditoriums, then moved to more private parties at homes or at malt shops. Anywhere they wanted a crowd they would advertise for sock hops.

Just like the young kids back in the 50's and 60's, good times are had by all. Mix a plethora of friends, music, food and 50's attire and you've got the perfect recipe for fun.