It’s been 40 years since Kevin Bacon danced his way into young hearts in the cult classic film, “Footloose.”
After some very serious lobbying from students at Payson High School in Payson, Utah, where the original “Footloose” was filmed, Kevin Bacon announced Friday that he would be returning to the high school for this year’s senior prom.
Students of Payson High School have worked alongside the Utah Film Commission for over a year on a campaign to get “BaconToPayson.”
The school, which served as a primary setting for the 1984 film, is set to be torn down next year, making this the school’s final prom.
The Last Dance
Seeing as “Footloose” champions dancing, what better way to commemorate the school and its beloved “Footloose” history, than with Kevin Bacon himself?
Students at Payson High School have pulled out all the stops to get Kevin Bacon to visit their school, using the hashtag #bacontopayson on social media, re-creating scenes from the movie, learning the “Footloose” dance and planning to host an event on prom day to benefit SixDegrees.org, Bacon’s organization which aims to put together essential resource kits for communities and organizations in need.
Bacon called into the school via video chat Friday morning from Atlanta as students crammed into the gymnasium for his announcement.
He shared his appreciation for all they have done and to let them know he will indeed be visiting Payson High School on prom day.
“I have been so impressed with everything that’s been going on there with this crazy idea to get me to come back,” he began while noting how big the movie and the school has been to his own life.
Students erupted into cheers and celebration.
“I’ve been amazed at the work that all of you have been putting into this, with the musical and the flash mobs and the re-creations,” he said.
“It hasn’t gone unnoticed by me, not to mention the fact that you tied in SixDegrees.org, our foundation, and are trying to figure out ways to give back to your community. It’s really inspirational, so thank you. Thank you. And I’m gonna come. I gotta come,” he said.
Again the gym was full of joyful excitement.
“We’ve worked so hard this year and done our absolute best to make this crazy dream a reality,” said Payson High School Student Body President Rubie Raff. “I can’t believe that it’s finally happening and that we can say we did it! It was all worth it—we got Kevin back to Payson!”
Following Bacon’s announcement Friday morning, Rubie told the actor, “Let’s dance! We’re gonna do it! This is awesome!”
“We’re gonna party really hard, Kevin,” student Kaleb Dymock added.
“Thank you guys. Let’s dance,” the actor responded.
