Once upon a time, the opportunity to take your shoes off and dance to rock ’n roll music was a form of rebellion for teenagers.

Back in the 1950s, school dances were held in gymnasiums with shiny wood floors that were not to be scuffed. So, school administrators required shoes to be removed when dancing.

Even though taking your shoes off to dance was a rule, there was something of a “devil may care” attitude about it.

That rule gave birth to the sock hop, an informal sponsored dance at high schools.

On Thursday night, the Troy-Pike Cultural Arts Center will kick off its 2012 Thursday Nights in the Studio with a 1950s Sock Hop.

Morgan Drinkard, Center interim director, said the Sock Hop will be a trip down memory lane for those who are fortune enough to remember the good ol’ ’50s and make memories for those who don’t.

“So, get out those poodle skirts and saddle shoes, those starched blue jeans and white T-shirts and join the fun,” Drinkard said. “Prizes will be awarded to the male and female with the most authentic costumers.

“We’ll dance to the music of John Key and the Fabulous Shades and enjoy the fellowship of friends in this nostalgic setting.”

Everyone is encouraged to bring their favorite food and drink but to save room for dessert.

“The Troy-Pike Cultural Arts Center is partnering with Milky Moos and they will set up shop and make ice cream floats,” Drinkard said. “The floats will be included in the ticket price.”

Tickets for the Thursday Night Sock Hop are $20 each and may be purchased at the door. Tables may be reserved for eight or 10 by calling 670-2287.

The doors will open at 6 p.m. and the music will begin at 7 p.m.

Thursday Nights at the Studio are scheduled for March, April and May with a bluegrass bash planned for April and soul stirring music for May.

“We’ll take the summer months off but Thursday Nights will return in the fall in September, October and November,” Drinkard said.

The Thursday Nights in the Studio are fundraisers for the Johnson Center for the Arts, which bring outstanding arts exhibitions to Troy year round.

In the month of March, the Johnson Center will feature “Evening in the Gallery with Ann Williams: Rubbings from England and Scotland” on March 6. A coffee reception and gallery talk with Williams will be from 5 until 6 p.m.

The Audubon Showcase will be March 7. The opening reception for “4 Painters,” featuring works by George Taylor, John Wagnon, Clark Walker and Richard Mills will be from 2 until 4 p.m. on March 25.