You can swing it and groove it at the sock hop planned for later this month.

The Survivors team for Relay for Life will host the event at 7:30 p.m. April 23 at the Shriners Club, 500 Elizabeth St.

The popular ‘50s and ‘60s type of dance event enshrined in the Danny and the Juniors song “At the Hop” was borne of the necessity to take one’s shoes off to participate, lest the hard-soled shoes damage the gymnasium floor. It featured good music and good fun.

“The music back then was good,” said Harold Smith, who came up with the idea for the upcoming event. Since then, he added, “it hasn’t been music for dancing.”

Smith’s wife, Kathy Smith, is one of the members of the team, which features solely cancer survivors and caregivers. She’s been fighting melanoma for several years.

“I am a true believer that if you are not positive, your chances of survival are much less,” she said. “If you fight as hard as you can, the chances of recovery are much greater, I truly believe.”

She said Relay for Life is very supportive of cancer survivors, so that’s why she wants to help raise money each year.

In previous years the team has held drawings for baskets of goodies donated by local individuals and businesses, but putting together the event is going one step further.

“We have gotten a tremendous amount of volunteers and support,” Smith said.

“We have had an outpouring of support,” added team member Judy Schubert, who said gifts for the sock hope include gift certificates for barbecue, a night at a hotel and coupons for pizza.

The usual baskets will be available for viewing at the sock hop, and people can buy tickets for them there. However, the drawing is not held until the day of Relay for Life.

Prizes will be given for best costumes and best dancers at the sock hop, although costumes are not required.

Dancing demonstrations will be held by Alan Hedgebath, who will teach the steps to anyone who may have forgotten since their last sock hop. He will also bring his sound system, Smith said.

“The Shriners have been terrific,” Smith said. Her husband is a member of the club, and one of them has volunteered to bring his Cadillac convertible from the sock hop time period for photo opportunities.

The event will include food, some of which will be ‘50s and ‘60s-themed.

Tickets are $10 each or $18 per couple. Tickets can be purchased at the door, or call 925-3752.