Photo By Lance Cpl. Nikki Phongsisattanak | Military parents and children line up for root beer floats during the parent-child...... read more read more
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CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Ladies wore their poodle skirts and the gentlemen sported leather jackets while they rocked out and did the Twist and Shout during the parent-child Sock Hop dance, hosted at the Tarawa Terrace Community Center aboard the Marine Corp Base Camp Lejeune housing area, Saturday.
“We did this event to offer parents the opportunity to re-connect with their children in a fun and safe environment,” said Lorraine Fuller, a recreational specialist with Tarawa Terrace Community Center, Marine Corps Community Services. “Ultimately this event was put on to celebrate the month of the Military Child. It was our way to thank all the military kids for the sacrifices they make to keep our country safe. And, we celebrated our socks off.”
The disk jockey presented a variety of 50’s rock and roll and some of the participants took their shoes off and slid through dances.
During the 50s dancers were required to remove their shoes to protect the varnished floors, which is how the term sock hop came about. However, this event allowed shoes on the dance floor.
But the shoes came off when parents and children competed in a twist-off dance and hula hoop contest. Prizes were awarded to the best adult and child twister.
They also formed the traditional dance-off circle, giving the spotlight to any daring dancer.
“Parent-child events are one of our favorite events to put on,” said Fuller. “We try to bring the ‘kids’ out of the adults by making them do silly competitions and the children absolutely loved it. I think they enjoy seeing their parents being silly, relaxing and having fun.”
She continued, “I believe that is one of the most important things about offering these programs to military families. It provides respite from an often stressful lifestyle.”
Parents taught their children the moves to master the floor, but some of the children seemed to be the ones doing the teaching. Children mimicked each other’s moves and grooved to the music through the night.
“This is fun,” said Jayden Hornburg, a military child who attended the dance. “I haven’t been to a party like this. I’ve been to other concerts but this was actually quite different. It celebrates the older times and brings back memories for [some] people.”
Hornburg added how much he enjoyed the dance competitions.
“I was hesitant at first, but I was okay after I started dancing,” he said. “The fact that [MCCS] does events like this for us shows that they want us to have a good time and that they care.”
Although many of the participants never experienced the 50s first hand, the community center was able to provide a flashback to the past.
“I think this is awesome especially for [families] that are dealing with deployments such as myself,” said Onyde Davoren, a military spouse who attended the dance. “It really gives them a chance to do something and get their mind off of it. For them to create or just have functions for us is amazing.”
For more information on MCCS events, visit www.mccslejeune.com.
| Date Taken: | 04.28.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 05.04.2012 10:49 |
| Story ID: | 87883 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 51 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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