If you grew up in the ’80s, you probably remember the film Footloose, starring Kevin Bacon as a dance-crazed teenager who moves to a rural town where dancing is outlawed. The film was a huge success, with its catchy soundtrack and energetic choreography, and it launched Bacon’s career as a star. But did you know that Footloose was actually based on a true story?
The film was partially inspired by the real-life events that took place in Elmore City, Oklahoma, in 1979. The small town, with a population of about 700, had banned dancing since its founding in 1898, in an attempt to prevent alcohol consumption and rowdiness. For years, students at Elmore High School had asked to have a prom, only to be denied by the school board and the city council, who were influenced by a local minister who considered dancing a Satanic practice.
“We just wanted to have a dance in a safe place. So we put together a plan to make it a win-win,” said Mary Ann Temple-Lee, a member of the Class of ’81 that challenged the ban. She and her classmates approached the principal, Dean Worsham, who advised them on how to make a presentation to the school board and explain their need for a prom.
“I remember it was so frustrating to have raised $450 for a band and having to sit there with our arms folded, tapping our feet and not being able to dance,” said Rachel Bailey, another former student who was part of the movement.
The students faced opposition from the city council and the minister, who argued that dancing was immoral and dangerous. The issue was resolved by a tiebreaking vote from a rancher who said “Let ’em dance.” The town hosted its first dance since the ban in 1980, and it was a historic moment for the community.
The story caught the attention of Dean Pitchford, a writer who visited Elmore City and interviewed the residents before writing the screenplay for Footloose. He named the main character Ren after the initials of two class officers, Rex Kennedy and Leonard Coffee, who led the movement for the prom. He also incorporated some of the real-life conflicts and themes into the film’s plot.
“It’s not about dancing. It’s about control. It’s about fear. It’s about people telling other people how to live their lives,” Ren says in the film, echoing the sentiments of many Elmore City students.
The film was released in 1984 and became an instant hit, grossing over $80 million at the box office and earning an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. The film also spawned a remake in 2011, starring Julianne Hough and Miles Teller.
Elmore City is now recognized for its dance tradition and hosts an annual Footloose Festival, with activities like a pancake breakfast, a 5K run and a car show. People of all ages dance at the festival, celebrating their freedom and their history.
“I think it’s great that our town is known for something positive,” Temple-Lee said. “We didn’t do it for fame or glory. We just wanted to have fun.”
Relevant articles:
– Is Footloose Really Based On A True Story?, Looper, Nov. 11, 2021
– Footloose: The True Story Behind the ’80s Musical, CBR, Sep. 14, 2022
– ‘Footloose’: The OKG true Hollywood story, Oklahoma Gazette, Nov. 10, 2021
– Is Footloose Based on a True Story? Plot and Ending Explained, Fresherslive, Nov. 12, 2021