Reminiscent of a “Footloose” high school, Kevin Bacon dances

On Saturday, actor Kevin Bacon went back to the high school in Utah where the beloved film “Footloose” was shot over 40 years ago.

 

Before what was probably the last prom ever hosted at the school—which is scheduled to be demolished in the spring of 2019—Bacon danced his way to a platform on an athletic field at Payson High School on Saturday to welcome students.

“You talked me into it,” Bacon said in a video that ABC 4 in Salt Lake City uploaded. “Seeing that kind of dedication to anything is admirable. Additionally, I find it astounding how able this film has been to unite individuals.”

The movie “Footloose” portrayed Bacon as a teenage Chicagoan who relocated to a rural town and opposed the town’s dance prohibition. The prom at Payson High School on Saturday night had a “Footloose” theme, fitting with the conclusion of the film.

Payson, which is located roughly 60 miles south of Salt Lake City, is home to around 21,000 people.

Students have been attempting to get Bacon to come for years, according to Principal Jesse Sorenson.

What began as playful social media pleas developed into a neighborhood-wide initiative to collaborate with Bacon’s nonprofit, according to Sorenson. In an effort to persuade Bacon to come, students decided to assist in creating 5,000 care packages for the nonprofit organization SixDegrees.

In addition to working with the Utah Film Commission and SixDegrees to generate money and gifts of clothes, toiletries, and other supplies to put in the backpacks, students spent weeks writing positive notes for the ultimate recipients of each care package, according to Sorenson.

Along with around 700 students and 300 community people, Sorenson estimated that Bacon assisted in filling the bags on Saturday.

Payson High School alumnus Sorenson (1995) noted that during proms, DJs play “Footloose” and students imitate the movie’s famous dance. According to him, older locals like pointing out locations in Payson that were included in the movie and sharing anecdotes about their time as extras.

“It’s enjoyable for them and something they can be happy about,” the principal said.