By Shelby
You know that scene at the beginning of Dirty Dancing when Baby, while carrying a watermelon, stumbles upon a really awesome dance party, where everything and everyone is just enjoying the music, having fun and, yes, a wee bit sweaty? That’s exactly what walking into Shangri-La’s Second Sunday Sock Hop is like. Well, with a little less dirty and a little more dancing.
On the second Sunday of the month, you can take a trip back to the ’50s and ’60s at this East Sixth Street bar, where the DJ spins vintage R&B, rock-n-roll, doowop, rockabilly and soul from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sure, it will probably leave you tired come Monday morning, but when else can you actually bust out the mashed potato or the watusi in public? As an unabashedly girlie girl, the best part might just be the clothes. While there are a few attendees in their standard hipster uniform, most sock hoppers dress to impress in their vintage best. The dance floor is crowded and dark, which we all know are the ideal conditions for dancing. With all the twisting going on, it can get a little steamy, so when you need a break, you can escape to the fresh air of Shangri-La’s wonderful elevated patio.
One final sartorial word to the wise–go with the flats. You won’t regret it. And leave the watermelon at home too.