Archive for August, 2010

50’s Traditions

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

A traditions is defined as the handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs, and information from generation to generation, especially by word of mouth or by practice. Traditions are an essential part of our lives. They bring generations together.

sock hop ladiesSome traditions are old, and some are new. Some have been going strong since the 50’s. Some of these traditions include sock hops, soda fountain parties, and ice cream socials.

However, some of these traditions now go by different names. Soda fountain parties are now the same as hanging out at a fast food joint with friends; ice cream socials occur on a daily basis at places like Dairy Queen. And sock hops are now just dances.

Some more basic traditions that draw generations together are things like food, music and dancing. In fact, these are some of the strongest binding factors between generations. These specific factors are also the main ingredients of 50’s sock hops.

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Poodle Skirt How-To

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

Unsure what to wear for Halloween this year? Going as a 50’s sock hop girl is simple, classic, and fun. Plus, don’t have to go out and buy the costume; you can make it yourself!

Like we said, the costume is very simple. All you really need is a scarf for your hair, a white shirt, a poodle skirt, and white shoes. Those are items that can be found in almost everyone’s closet… except for the poodle skirt. But don’t worry, like we said, you can make it yourself.

The simplest way to do this is to grab a skirt that you already have. The skirt should fit you a little higher on the waist than a normal skirt, and should hit you at about mid-calf. If it doesn’t, that’s an easy fix: just hem the skirt up a few inches, and pull the waist in a bit with a few quick stitches.

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Making Sock Hops Fun for Teenagers

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

sock hop studebakersIn the 50’s, sock hops were all the rage. High school kids were the biggest supporters of these dances. They were held in school gyms, which limited the footwear that could be worn to just socks, hence the name.

These dances didn’t require dates either, so most attended as singles. This would be less likely to fly among today’s youth since they are so use to dating and relationships. Encouraging dates at a modern sock hop is one way to get today’s youth more interested in attending one.

In the 50’s, these socks were a chance for students to get together and just enjoy the music and dancing. Students got together to enjoy popular music like rock and roll, songs sung by Elvis and the Beatles. Dances were also an opportunity to learn new dances such as the Jitter Bug.

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Sock Hops for High School Kids

Tuesday, August 17th, 2010

Sock hops were the most common dances in the 1950’s. They were mainly popular among high school kids, but were something that people of all ages could enjoy. They helped everyone to enjoy music and dancing more.

Although they were something that everyone could enjoy in the 50’s, times have changed since then. With every new piece of technology, the gap between generations seems to grow. Teenagers today find it hard to see how they relate to the teenagers of the 1950’s.

While it may not be easy to see, there are a lot of things that the teenagers of today owe to the original sock hop teenagers. And there are many ways in which they are similar to one another. The connections are there, you just have to look in order to see them.

When you are trying to plan a modern hop, making these connections is very helpful. Just like teenagers in the 50’s, teenagers today enjoy music, food and being social. These were the main ingredients of these dances in the 50’s, so with a few alterations, these dances can be easily geared towards modern teenagers.

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Hosting a Sock Hop for Middle Schoolers

Thursday, August 12th, 2010


When planning a sock hop, especially for middle schoolers, there are a few things to keep in mind. Simple things, such as music and refreshments, can make or break your sock hop. Here are a few simple tips for making your event a success.

The first detail to tend to is the invitations. When making the invitations for your event, it is important to keep with the 50’s theme. You can do this through the wording, the colors, and the delivery of the invitation.

The second important detail for planning a successful sock hop is the decorations. You can transform your venue into a fifties gymnasium with a few simple decorations such as brightly colored balloons and streamers on the walls, vinyl records on the tables and hanging from the ceiling, and by printing off old photographs from the fifties. You can also hang inflatable guitars from the walls or use them as centerpieces on the tables.

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Throw a Sock Hop at Your Elementary School

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

While budget crunches are getting harder and harder to stomach for many, several schools are turning towards fundraisers to help make up the difference.  There are many different types to choose from. One fun idea to help raise some funds and to have some fun is a sock hop.

A sock hop can be a really fun way to help draw kids and their families back to the past.  It is also a very family friendly activity and can help draw them closer together.  With a few simple steps you’re school can be well on it’s way to having one of their own!

Planning is crucial for a success event.  First of all you should appoint a committee to organize this event.  In this committee you should divide into four subcommittees.  These committees will be over publicity, decorations, food, and entertainment.

jukeboxPublicity is very key for success.  If you want people to come, they need to know about it and be excited.  Fliers around school, announcements, etc. are all vital.

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Tribute to the Fifties

Friday, August 6th, 2010


Sock hops were first made popular in the 1950’s. They were a popular dance for teenagers and were held in high school gymnasiums and cafeterias. These dances were all about enjoying the music and dancing.

Because they were so popular with teenagers, most dances that were happening in the schools were sock hops. They were held in gyms with varnished floors so dancers were required to remove their shoes before dancing. This made dances such as the Twist much easier to perform.

These dances weren’t much unlike the dances held now. Young adults attended these dances to spend time together and to enjoy the music and dancing. Rock and roll music was an essential ingredient of these dances also.

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Why you need to do a sock hop this fall

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

Fall is a fun time of year for beginnings.  School starts; football and many other fun activities are marked at this time.   Why not add an annual sock hop as a new tradition to do this fall?

Taking a stroll down memory lane can be a really fun experience for you and your friends.  With a few simple things to consider and prepare you’ll be ready in no time to wow everyone with you’re great entertainment.  These include invitations, decorations, costumes, food, music and games.

There are many creative ways to invite your guests to your party. You could use black construction paper to make a record, inviting people to come for a “swinging party.”  You could cut out a picture of a clock and inviting people to come “rock around the clock” at your sock hop.  There are many possibilities.  Just put something along with your 50’s theme.

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Best Summer Car Shows

Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010

 

During the summer, car shows become a popular event, along with other old-fashioned events such as sock hops. Many people attend these shows. They occur all over the country.

But what are the traits of a good car show? Is it the location or the specific cars? Is it the music played or the old time feel created with car hops?

Some suggest that it is the money that goes into preparing for the car show that makes all the difference. Others say that clean and organized shows are best. Many agree that it is the simple things that matter: the music, the cars, and the people and community. 

car show

Some suggestions for turning normal car shows into great ones include pairing the show with a sock hop. Another option is to choose a specific theme for your car show, such as a muscle car show or a 70’s car show. You could also make your show unique by using it to raise money for those in need.

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