The Swampscott Senior Center is inviting residents to lace up–or take off–their shoes for a nostalgic sock hop on June 17 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Attendees will be able to twist and jive to hits by Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis while sipping on root beer floats and enjoying dinner-style appetizers. Admission is $5, and transportation can be arranged upon request.

Sock hops were popularized in the 1950s, when teens danced in their socks in gymnasiums. The lack of shoes was originally meant to protect the floor, but it also lent to the name of the event. Sock hops often included early pop and rock and roll music, and they were known for fashion icons like poodle skirts, saddle shoes, leather jackets and duck-tail haircuts.

Connie Carman, who is helping to organize the event, said the sock hop is her way of giving back. 

“I became involved with The Swampscott Center 4 years ago when my mother passed away and I wanted to give back a little by organizing an event once a year,” Carman said. 

The Swampscott Senior Center will have other summer activities, including a botanical walk on June 11 and ice cream socials.

“It’s such an active and fun place to feel a sense of belonging,” Carman said. “The residents of this town are so blessed to have such a caring and active center that is open to all.”