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Shake, Rattle And Roll

Photo from Gary Eremita

Couples at a recent 50s party perform a routine in unison.

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By JOYCE McKENZIE

jmckenzie@tampatrib.com

Published: January 28, 2009

TEMPLE TERRACE - Gary and Sandy Eremita are "lost in the '50s."

The Clearwater couple enjoy entertaining friends and neighbors. They also love to dance.

Since their marriage four years ago they've hosted several backyard parties in which guests are encouraged to dress in '50s attire - women in poodle skirts, neck scarves, bobby socks and saddle shoes and guys in white T-shirts, peg jeans, varsity letter jackets, loafers or high-top sneakers.

"We serve food like hamburgers, french fries and root beer floats," Gary said. "Included is lots of '50s music that people can just listen to or dance the night away."

Because the events have been so well-received, the couple and a few dancing buddies have taken their talents, along with the '50s theme, to other venues such as retirement and assisted living facilities. Their on-the-road gigs also include birthday parties, company gatherings, class reunions and community events.

On Saturday, they will be at the Rhapsody Ballroom on 56th Street, just north of Fowler Avenue, putting on the Back to the '50s Sock Hop. They hope to draw a nostalgic crowd that values the sounds, styles and swing of yesteryear.

"It's a pilot kind of a thing. If it goes well we'll be back every fifth Saturday of the year," said Valrico resident Paul Griffin, who along with his wife, Maxine, is assisting the Eremitas with the event. "That's easy to remember - whenever there are five Saturdays in a month there will be a '50s, five-O, dance in Temple Terrace."

They will transform the ballroom into a '50s soda shop with an array of professionally made props that include an 8-foot pink Cadillac, Styrofoam records hung from the ceiling and a life-size cutout of comic book characters Archie and Veronica. Alternating table centerpieces resemble filled-to-the-brim popcorn boxes and overflowing whipped cream atop ice cream floats.

Finger foods and nonalcoholic beverages will be served. The evening will include best dressed, dance and Hula Hoop contests for which prizes will be awarded.

"We want to do something different from everyone else, and it's meant to be a stress-free evening," said Sandy Eremita, who met Gary at a singles dance.

Dancers and nondancers alike are welcome. If requested, volunteers will be available to teach simple dance steps.

Griffin, who met his wife of five years at a dance, said oftentimes people are enticed to dance after they see how much fun it can be.

"That's where we come in," Maxine said. "We're kind of like the icebreakers when we get up there and show them what a great time we are having."

Gary said the primary objective is get the audience involved.

"We just want people to be relaxed and to enjoy the music," he said.

If most people choose not to dance, the experienced foursome is prepared to entertain guests with their well-rehearsed routines.

Gary, who also doubles as disc jockey at these kinds of events, said he has more than 1,000 CDs in his collection and he is always willing to fill a person's request for a special tune.

"We've been talking it up and putting out fliers," said Rhapsody Ballroom owner Richard Collett, who is excited about the event. I really hope we get a good response."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Back to the '50s Sock Hop

WHEN: 7 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Rhapsody Ballroom, 12101 N. 56th St., Temple Terrace

COST: $10 per person

INFORMATION: (727) 277-1355 or (813) 985-6570

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849.

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