Kevin Bacon returns to his ‘Footloose’ high school for a dance reunion | Celebrity News

PAYSON, Utah (AP) — Actor Kevin Bacon made a special appearance at Payson High School over the weekend, returning to the location where the iconic movie “Footloose” was filmed more than 40 years ago.

Bacon delighted students by dancing his way onto the stage at the school’s athletic field, where he greeted them before what is likely the final prom to be held at the school before it is torn down next spring.

The actor expressed his gratitude to the students, saying, “It’s great to see that kind of commitment to anything. I also think that it’s amazing to see the power that this movie has had to bring people together.”

The students ended their prom night with a “Footloose”-themed celebration, mirroring the movie’s ending where dancing is finally allowed in the small town.

Principal Jesse Sorenson shared that students had been trying to convince Bacon to visit for years, and what started as social media appeals turned into a community-wide effort to partner with Bacon’s charity, SixDegrees. The students agreed to put together 5,000 care packages for the charity, which ultimately convinced Bacon to make the visit.

On the day of the event, Bacon joined the students in filling the care packages alongside hundreds of students and community members.

Sorenson, a Payson High School alum, shared that the movie “Footloose” holds a special place in the hearts of the community, with the song always being played at proms and students recreating the iconic dance from the film.

Overall, Bacon’s visit was a memorable and heartwarming experience for the students and community members of Payson, showcasing the lasting impact of the beloved movie.