A sokkie is a social dance with a partner popular with some Afrikaners.  It is also referred to in Afrikaans as “langarm”, a term used to describe the style of dance at a sokkie. (Wikipedia)

I attended only 2 Sokkies in my lifetime.  The first time was many moons ago during Stellenbosch University’s traditional ”Venster Versiering” week (Window Dressing Up).  I was a high school senior at the time and my buddies and I thought it was cool to visit the university and see how the other half lives.  Sokkies were held in the Neelsie Student Centre in those day.

The second occassion was a couple of years ago in Taipei during the South Africa Day celebrations, hosted by the Consul-General Piet Meyer and his lovely wife.  I had recounted to some folks at the last Imbizo in WanChai how much fun this event (in Taipei) was!  Remember I cannot dance sokkie-sokkie… but we all enjoyed the occasion.  The reason for this I think, was because those of us who have families were allowed to bring everyone to the event.  There was some fantastic South African food (yes, regte boerewors, bobotie, etc.!) great company, lekke dancing and the whole family was there to enjoy the occasion.   

Well, to make what could be a looong story short, we are planning to organise a Hong Kong Sokkie in the near future.  If you’re interested, mail or call me and we’ll put your name on the list.

Remember, I told you I cannot sokkie-sokkie.  But fear not, if you’re keen to learn, somebody will show you the ropes. If, like me, you just want to experience another part of our diverse South African culture, this will be the place! 

Let’s take from there. More details will follow soon.  In the meantime, here’s a teaser:

Een, Twee, Drie…. Een, Twee, Drie!