Written for A - Z Blogging Challenge and GBE2 Week #46 prompt - Dance
In the small town I grew up in we had 1 school for 1st grade through 12th and still had less than 400 students. Needless to say, with a school that small we didn't have a lot of school dances. As a matter of fact, we had almost none. We didn't even have proms before graduation. We only had formal banquets.
In the small town I grew up in we had 1 school for 1st grade through 12th and still had less than 400 students. Needless to say, with a school that small we didn't have a lot of school dances. As a matter of fact, we had almost none. We didn't even have proms before graduation. We only had formal banquets.
Now what young girl doesn't dream of dancing in the arms of a dashing young man? It was the hot topic at many a slumber party as we giggled and practiced dancing around the floor. We all wanted to be great dancers and I was no exception...I loved dancing. I often dreamed of dancing on American Bandstand.
On the rare occasion that we did have a dance at school it was quite exciting. Of course back then (and now I'm really showing my age) we didn't call them dances. We had Sock Hops!
I've never been told why they were called Sock Hops, but I have a pretty good idea. Back then, schools only had one gymnasium that had to be used for everything. School officials were really strict about the care of those gym floors. It was nearly a federal crime if you put a scratch in that floor. Absolutely no one was allowed on the gym floor with shoes on. Subsequently, the only way to have a dance in the gym was for everyone to dance in their sock feet. Voila! Sock Hop!
I actually only remember having one during my school days. I remember dancing a lot...with the other girls. We all danced in a circle while the boys sat around in the bleachers. Some dream dance, huh?
So, my dream to dance with a dashing young man would have to wait a few years. I did eventually get my chance, though. My husband and I used to go out dancing with friends in the early days. And as for American Bandstand - never made it. Now I dream of dancing with Derek or Max on Dancing with the Stars. A girl can dream, can't she?
Until next time...that's my view.
Kat
Oh, I get Derek! You may have Maks. lol I love me some Derek. (and Tony and Mark)
ReplyDeletesock hops, wow, yeah, I remember those. ♥
Okay, Jo, if the situation ever comes up you can have Derek! :D
Deletegreat blogs.... here in NYC they have once a month a senior prom and you can go dressed in cheesy prom dress and dance to 70-80's music... i am dying to go..it seems so much fun
ReplyDeleteThank you Jenni. Sounds to me like you should go and have a blast!
DeleteI've never been to a sock hop, per se-- but went to plenty of school dances. I think a sock hop would be so much fun!!
ReplyDeleteCheers, Jenn
http://www.wine-n-chat.com
I guess you had to be there back in the day to really get the full effect, but hey, you can still have fun dancing!
DeleteOh, a Double "D" hit - good for you! I love dancing in my socks and if we're getting in line, I'll wait for Maks! ;-)
ReplyDeleteAmy
http://amywritesnet.blogspot.com/
Those were the days of dreams. Now, we live the reality of sagging bodies and failing minds. The lucky amongst us have a husband by their side.
ReplyDeleteBoy you sure got that right Francene! But we are never too old to dream!
DeleteWE never had any school dances, and I never learnt to dance. I tried, but I think I have two left feet!
ReplyDeleteWell, as you can see from my story, we never had very many and I never said I was a good dancer...just that I loved to! LOL!
DeleteI'm glad you had a fun time at your middle school dance. At mine, I finally got the nerve to ask a good looking guy to dance. He said, "F*&# you!" I didn't want to do that, nor did I continue to have a crush on that kid!
ReplyDeleteCatch My Words
http://joycelansky.blogspot.com/2012/04/atoz-dancing.html
Sounds like he wasn't worth your time, Joyce!
DeleteI remember sock hops! We still did square dancing at our schools... I don't know if they do that at all anymore, now it's hip-hop and I don't know about doing that in socks... (thinks) hmmmm ... times they are a changing. Fun times.
ReplyDeleteYes, k, in a lot of ways I don't think kids nowadays know how to have fun the way we did!
DeleteWhat amazing memories!! I loved reading about the sock hop. Boys never change. They will forever be on the outskirts of the dance floor while the girls pick up the slack with abandon. Lovely post. :D
ReplyDeleteKathy
http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.com/
Yes, Kathy, I think you are right. Some things (or people) never change! Glad you are enjoying my trip down memory lane.
DeleteDerek is definitely the DWTS partner I'd want!
ReplyDeleteWe had lots of school dances, and I went to most of them. I do remember the girls gathering and dancing together while the boys hung out on the other side of the gym, but that was mostly in junior high (they cal it middle school now--I'm showing my age, too!). By high school, the boys and girls danced together, but that was mostly slow swaying. Why didn't they teach ballroom dancing in gym class? It'd certainly been more useful than badminton or square dancing!
Sorry Beth, I think Jo is first in line for Derek! I guess the one we had was maybe junior high or freshman. I don't think we had any more after that that I recall.
DeleteAhah, that looks like a double duty D/dancing post to me. Smart girl/fond memories. Keep on dancing Kat.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kelly, same to you! ♥
Delete:D
ReplyDeleteThanks Daphne. ♥
DeleteSadly I was too self-conscious to go to many dances, I went to one in the 8th grade and that was about it. I didn't go to my senior prom either 'cause I had just broken up with my first real boyfriend and there was a little bit of a 'i'm too cool" nonsense going on too..but deep down it was just self-consciousness. Now? I love to dance.
ReplyDeleteSuccessfully Underachieving
I know how you felt. I was pretty self conscious too. I'm glad you get to enjoy dancing now!
ReplyDelete