Kevin Bacon Is Attending ‘Footloose’ School’s Final Prom After Petition Goes Viral

The school where Footloose was filmed is coming up at a bittersweet point in its life. Utah’s Payson High School is readying for prom while also planning to relocate. But for this final prom, students will be joined by none other than Footloose star Kevin Bacon.

Released in 1984, Footloose starred Bacon as the new kid on the block Ren McCormack who is ready to confront his new hometown’s strict rules against partying – especially when it comes to dance. Principal photography took place all around Utah, but Payson and Payson High School were the sites of the tractor and high school scenes. Its history is long, with Footloose marking a significant note in its legacy, which will again be the case just as it sets off for new horizons.

Kevin Bacon has agreed to go to the ‘Footloose’ school’s final prom

In light of the Footloose high school’s impending relocation, the students organized a petition to try and get Bacon to return just in time for what will be the final prom there. Well, the actor not only heard their wishes but is excited to make their dreams come true.

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Bacon spoke about the movement while on the Today Show, where he also attended a Zoom meeting with the school. During this chat, Bacon announced, “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,” he went on, adding, “And I’m gonna come. I gotta come.” The resulting applause from the gymnasium was deafening.

An impressive history between film and school

Payson High School of Footloose fame was first established in 1912. Its current building was finished in 1967, some 17 years before Bacon would dance his way into the hearts of viewers across the country. The movie itself is enjoying its 40th anniversary, which also saw Bacon return to his rhythmic roots in Utah.

Students got into the full Footloose spirit with their efforts to get Bacon’s attention and respect in a movement that’s been captured with the #bacontopayson campaign – and he gave all of it a shoutout.

“I have been so impressed with everything that’s been going on there with this crazy idea to get me to come back,” he marveled on Friday. “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.”

Ready those corsages and dancing shoes, Payson High!