The iconic 1984 movie Footloose, starring Kevin Bacon, just hit its 40th Anniversary! What most people don’t know about the film, is that Elmore City, Oklahoma, served as the real-life inspiration for the script and the fictional town of Bomont. In 1898, Elmore City enacted an ordinance banning dancing within its city limits, aiming to curb alcohol consumption and the sexual promiscuity, that they believed came with it.
The True Story of Elmore City
The ban on dancing in Elmore City was a long-standing mandate, deeply embedded in the town’s culture and enforced by local city council members and the community’s leaders, including the local minister. The ban was a reflection of the conservative values held by locals, who associated dancing, particularly when accompanied by rock music, with immoral behavior and excessive alcohol use. The town’s stance on dancing remained unchallenged until the late 20th century when a group of high school students at Elmore High School decided to contest the archaic rule.
The Battle to Let ‘Em Dance
In 1979, a courageous move by the Elmore High School senior class, led by student Leonard Coffee and his girlfriend, Maryanne Temple, sparked significant controversy. They proposed hosting a senior prom, an idea that was unheard of given the town’s longstanding ban. Ariel was based on Maryanne and Ren, based on Coffee. The proposal was met with resistance, but it also ignited a fervent debate about freedom and the evolving social landscape of small-town America at the time.
On April 18th, 1980, Elmore City, Oklahoma, lifted its century-long ban on dancing, a decision that was met with widespread celebration, especially among the youth. The lifting of the ban was commemorated with a high school prom, making it the first legal dance in the town’s history.
Raymond Temple, Maryanne’s father and the president of the school board, was a key figure in the town of Elmore City and played a pivotal role in the events leading up to the lifting of the town’s ban on dancing. He was one of the few adults who advocated for the students right to hold a senior prom at Elmore High School. At the town meeting, Temple cast the tie-breaking vote and famously said, “Let em’ Dance”.
Dean Pitchford’s Inspiration
Screenwriter Dean Pitchford visited Elmore City, intrigued by the unusual story of a town divided over dancing. Pitchford’s experience in Elmore, along with personal stories, the dynamics of the local school board, and the tension between the youth and the town’s conservatism, provided the perfect material for the Footloose screenplay. The character of Ren McCormack, played by Kevin Bacon, and his friends in the film, were directly inspired by the kids of Elmore City who stood up against the ban and fought for change.
The Cultural Impact of “Footloose”
Upon its release, Footloose became a box office sensation, resonating with Gen X, and has since grossed over $80 million worldwide. The movie’s soundtrack, featuring hits by Kenny Loggins, Deniece Williams and Bonnie Tyler, became a crucial part of 1980’s pop culture and had a ten-week run at #1 on the Billboard Charts. The film’s success even led to a Broadway musical. Notably, the cast, which included Lori Singer, Diane Wiest, Sarah Jessica Parker and John Lithgow, brought exceptional performances, bridging the gap between a small Oklahoma town’s real-life events and their portrayal on the big screen.
The Legacy of Elmore City’s Dance Ban
To this day, Elmore City celebrates its Footloose legacy with an annual event called the Footloose Festival. The festival includes a huge street dance, sponsored by the local chamber of commerce, celebrating the historic prom night. The first dance in Elmore City, held in defiance of an age-old ban, symbolizes a pivotal moment in the town’s history, marking a shift towards a more open, inclusive community.
If you enjoyed this article, you may also like The Original Ending of ‘Pretty In Pink’ and Why It Was Axed.