Kevin Bacon Set the Stage Ablaze with a ‘Footloose’ Performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Following Jimmy’s “Dance Outlaw” Declaration.
In the 1980s, “Footloose” emerged as a cultural milestone, with its release in 1984. Set in the fictional town of Bomont, Utah, the movie depicted a community where the local council enforced a strict ban on rock music and dancing. Enter Kevin Bacon’s character, who ignited a musical rebellion that would define the era.
What often astonishes many is the movie’s inspiration drawn from a genuine historical event. According to Time magazine, in 1898, the city of Elmore, Oklahoma, implemented a strict ban on dancing, a prohibition that endured until 1980! It’s truly difficult for most to fathom living in a community where dancing was forbidden, depriving residents of the joys of school dances and club nights. Such a restriction would have undoubtedly cast a pall over the notion of having fun!
The Movie
Three decades have passed since the release of “Footloose,” and Jimmy Fallon, the charismatic host of “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” seized the opportunity to pay tribute in a comical manner. He extended a warm invitation to Kevin Bacon to join his show and, during the introduction, playfully marked the film’s anniversary. However, he took a mischievous turn by announcing a new rule: dancing was henceforth forbidden on his show.
The audience responded with a resounding chorus of “boos,” prompting Jimmy Fallon to dramatically unveil a decree titled “Dancing Outlawed.” Recognizing the crowd’s discontent with the decree, Jimmy quipped, “Rules are rules.” Nevertheless, when he proceeded to introduce his guest, an unexpected turn of events occurred, and no one made an appearance.
Kevin Bacon, seated in the green room, attentively observed the opening monologue. When he caught wind of Jimmy Fallon’s dance prohibition, his reaction was swift: “Dancing is banned?” With a decisive flick, he switched off the television and exclaimed, “Jump back!”
Rummaging in the room, he unearthed a cassette tape and inserted it into a conveniently embedded wall cassette player. The opening notes of “Footloose” filled the air, and as the iconic tune enveloped him, Kevin Bacon was transported back to the vibrant energy of 1984, spontaneously launching into his cherished old dance routine.
Jimmy Fallon made a bold move by banning dancing on his late-night show, but Kevin Bacon had the ultimate retort when he took the stage, dancing to the tune of “Footloose.” In that electrifying moment, equilibrium was restored to the world once more.
