Sabrina Thievin is living proof that the charm of the ’50s never dies out. The St. Albert dance instructor is diving into the spirit of Rock ‘n August and resurrecting a sock hop.
“I love dancing from the ’50s and ’60s. It was touch dancing. You actually got to hang on to your partner,” laughs Thievin, a huge fan of Grease.
She explains that at one time, a traditional sock hop was a mainstay of Rock ’n August. However, three years ago organizers decided to try something different and brought in cabaret-style concerts at Servus Place.
“I missed the opportunity to dance to ’50s and ’60s music and to dress up,” Thievin says.
Taking matters in hand, she organized a sock hop in the style of American Bandstand, a ’50s and ’60s TV show that featured teenagers dancing and to Top 40 hits. It was so popular it catapulted host Dick Clark into a media mogul.
Many teens on American Bandstand performed tricks – cool slides, jumps and flips that pushed dance to a new level.
“This sock hop is geared to the everyday person who wants to get up and dance. If they have flashy moves, they are welcome to try them out.”
In case attendees are rusty, Thievin offers a free 30-minute jive lesson prior to the sock hop.
Accompanying the dancers is The BlackKey Band. Drummer George McKay ran through the set list packed with rock and roll’s biggest hits – Ricky Nelson’s Mary Lou, Fats Domino’s Hello Josephine, Elvis’ Hound Dog and possibly the era’s most requested song, the Righteous Brothers Unchained Melody.
After playing for decades of dancers, McKay believes this era’s music is still much in demand due to nostalgia.
“It was a different time. It was an era of innocence. People met at soda shops and drive-ins. And they travelled down the famed Route 66 that was made famous in the Grapes of Wrath. But mostly it’s about fun.”
The Rock ’n August Sock Hop takes place Thursday, Aug. 6 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the St. Albert Curling Club, #3 Tache St. Advance tickets are $20. Door tickets are $25. Prizes for costumes. Call 780-459-3100.
Thievin is donating 25 per cent of all ticket sales to the Rock ’n August fundraiser for the Alberta Diabetes Foundation.
