Sock hop what is

The term sock hop came about because dancers were required to remove their hard-soled shoes to protect the varnished floor of the gymnasium. These hops were a cultural feature of the s and early rock and roll. The music was usually records, sometimes presented by a disc jockey. Occasionally there were also live bands. Danny and the Juniors sang "At the Hop" in which named many popular dances and otherwise documented what happened at a hop.

The term record hop is generally synonymous with sock hop. In subsequent decades, with the widespread popularity of sneakers and other types of indoors-only shoes, the practice of removing shoes was dropped and the term began to be applied more generally to any informal high school dance. We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe. If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.

Forgot your password? Retrieve it. If by any chance you spot an inappropriate image within your search results please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly. Term » Definition. Word in Definition. Wiktionary 0. Freebase 0. How to pronounce sock hop? Alex US English. Do I ever have memories of the sock hops. Our junior high school had at least one sock hop a month. Not only was it fun and affordable, but kept teens off the streets.

At least the first half of your life was exciting I'm hangin' on waiting for mine to start Yes, C. I kind of miss those days. I love the Beach Boys, but I've never had the opportunity to see them live. Taking that photo of Chubby in Philly in really brought back old memories. A few years ago, I saw a band in Little Rock that was a composite of some big names, including Ringo Starr and Joe Walsh, but I didn't get to meet them. It was great fun. I miss those days. By the way, I never met Elvis, but he drove a truck for my father-in-law's business in Memphis at one time.

Thanks again. How cool the people you've had the opportunity to meet! My first concert was the Beach Boys I was about 20 and most people my age didn't even know who they were :- Other than that, I can count famous people that I've been in the same room with on about 2 fingers. Yes, there was a lot of innocent fun back then. No drugs, but sometimes the boys got in trouble for drinking. Notice I said "boys" because we girls didn't drink. Dick Clark was one of our favorites, of course.

I met him in person in Lubbock, Texas, many years ago. I wish I had an autographed photo of him, but I don't think I got one. I"ve misplaced my box of photos and autographs, and I can't remember. Thanks for your wonderful comment and vote.

This is great! I've always said that I must've lived a previous life in this era or I should've been born then; there is just something about that time and place that I connect with. I love anything 50's and 60's and that material is getting harder and harder to come by. I grew up on records and 8-tracks so I have a huge appreciate for the music of that time. Your pictures are great; I'm envious I'm so glad to see you debunk inaccurate accounts of Sock Hops! Dick Clark was born, raised, went to college, and worked in radio and TV minutes from where I was born and raised.

What I wouldn't give to have days like this come back. Throw away most of our technology, hang out in malt shops, spend Sundays with our families and attend Sock Hops!

Glad you like it AJ. It was fun, and back then I kept a 20 inch waistline. All the girls had wasp waists then, and a lot of it probably was from dancing. MizBejabbers--"Thank you, thank you very much! This was before my time but it sounds like great fun!

Twistin' your way down memory lane is bittersweet. When we had dances, it was in our socks and shoes--in the school cafeteria or our friends basements and the moms yellin' down the steps, "Turn those lights back on!

Again I say, "Thank you, thank you very much! Thanks, friend Bill, they really were neat and a lot of fun.

Back then the gym floors were varnished with gym seal, which scuffed easily, so we had to take off our shoe. I especially enjoyed the "over the shoulder move" and that probably the only time in my life I enjoyed being a tiny person.

Sock hops were also the only advantage I could think of as a teen ager living in a small town. It does bring back memories and dang, I'm old too! LOL I grew up in a city of ,, and sock hops were not as plentiful there. I did attend a couple out in the country, and they were a blast.

Exciting times then as the 50's gave way to the 60's and then all hell broke loose. Wow, you went to one in the 80s!

I don't know if the kids still have them or not. I haven't heard of any, but my kids are grown. Thanks for stopping by. I was just about to ask questions about sock hops, but you answered most of them. Great hub! I remember going to a sock hop as a teen in the 80s, and wondering why. Still not totally sure. Do they have them anymore? Thanks for the vote up, Kashmir The good old days were a lot of fun, and a heckuvalot safer for young people!

Be seeing you around! Hi MizBejabbers,I really enjoy reading this hub it sure did bring back memories of the good old days. Sock hops were a lot of fun,dancing and listen to the latest hits.

Thank you! I enjoyed writing it. I was so surprised to find that there really is no real information on the web about sock hops, so I thought I'd add my two cent's worth from my memories. And thanks for the UP! I may not have come into full bloom until the '60's I was somewhat of a "tag-along", always under her feet and looking up to her, being in awe of her and her "friends.

I may have only participated as part of the audience, but I remember it well. She taught me to "jitterbug" and she was simply the BEST big sister! I loved his hub for more than one reason!! Marine Biology. Electrical Engineering. Computer Science. Medical Science. Writing Tutorials. Performing Arts. Visual Arts. Student Life. Vocational Training. Standardized Tests. Online Learning. Social Sciences. Legal Studies. Political Science. Welcome to Owlcation. Other styles typically involved greasing the hair down with hair gel and combing it over to one side or to the back.

As far as s makeup is concerned, it concentrated on making the face fairly matte with minimal color. The one big pop of color was usually on the lips as red lipstick was very popular, but some other favorite lip colors were a little more conservative such as pink and coral. You may want to check out this video by Zabrena about how to do your own historically accurate 50s makeup. It makes you wonder how we managed to have sock hops in the decades before the internet!

If you really enjoy dancing and you want to take some sweet moves along with you or teach your guests how to boogie like the best of them, there are a few 50s dances that you should check out. Many of the dance moves were related to swing dancing, but they evolved to dance to rock and roll music.

Common 50s dance styles included the boogie-woogie, bop, bunny hop and the chalypso a mixture of cha-cha-cha and calypso. Keep that Fitbit handy. Jukebox decorations are still a good idea whether or not you have a real one. Otherwise, decorations featuring black vinyl records, 50s diner decor, roller skates, poodles and milkshakes will certainly bring out the appropriate atmosphere.

Color schemes for sock hop parties usually include pink and blue or turquoise with white and black accents. White and black checkered anything is also a good idea if you can rock it! If you're looking to get outfitted for a sock hop, these 50s costumes are a great place to start. There are several poodle skirt costumes, 50s prom dresses and Grease costumes for girls to wear. Many of them include accessories, but you can always add a pair of cat-eye glasses, saddle shoes or bobby socks to your ensemble for more of a complete look.

Most 50s costumes for guys are all about the shirt, jacket or sweater vest, which you can wear along with a pair of blue jeans or dress pants. Make sure to roll those pants cuffs!