Sometimes You Gotta Dance!

In 1984, a film opened that would ultimately capture the feel of a decade and catapult its star, Kevin Bacon, to superstardom. Footloose, directed by Herbert Ross, was seen as a cross between James Dean's Rebel Without A Cause and the classic Mickey Rooney/Judy Garland musicals of the 40s and 50s.

The film is based on the true story of a small Oklahoma town's struggle against a 19th Century law that prohibited dancing within the city limits. The teenagers in town wanted a prom, but a local minister thought that dancing was a tool of the devil. This story of one person fighting against the system spoke to teens and adults alike, making Footloose one of the highest grossing films of 1984. Richard Corliss of Time Magazine, wrote that the film included "motifs on book burning, mid-life crisis, AWOL parents, fatal car crashes, drug enforcement and Bible Belt vigilantism," themes that spoke to a generation.

Even though Kevin Bacon is completely identified with the role, he was not the first choice for Ren McCormick. Producers originally considered Tom Cruise, but felt he was wrong physically. Rob Lowe auditioned but had to bow out due to a knee injury. Bacon ultimately secured the role, but not before he was asked to screen test in a fully filmed scene set to music. The role of Ariel, Reverend Moore's red-boot-wearing daughter, was offered to Lori Singer, who beat out Madonna. Rounding out the cast was Diane Wiest, John Lithgow, Chris Penn and a virtually unknown Sarah Jessica Parker.

Filmed entirely in Utah, Bacon researched his role by enrolling in Payson High School (where the school scenes were shot) as a transfer student, where he studied the kids in their natural habitat. For a week, he went to school like any other student and was treated in much the same way as his character in the film--as an outcast.

The soundtrack, featuring hits by Kenny Loggins, Ann Wilson, Sammy Hagar, Bonnie Tyler and Denise Williams was released the same year. Interestingly, none of the music, with the exception of the title track, was complete at the time of filming. All of the dance scenes were filmed with different music and the soundtrack was added during the editing process. The soundtrack went on to sell 9 million copies in the United States producing three top 10 hits.

The film takes a simple concept that could have come across as just another cheesy teen angst movie and combines it with great music to create one of the best-loved films of the genre. Its popularity helped spawn FOOTLOOSE the musical as well as, a film version of the musical, starring Zac Efron in 2010. Footloose has become a reflection of a generation that grew up in the 80s; it speaks to anyone who believes there is no sin in being young, having fun and getting to dance.



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