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Kevin Bacon dances back to 91ƵFootloose91Ƶ high school

Students agreed to help put together 5,000 care packages for the charity if Bacon showed up
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In this photo provided by Jesse Sorenson, actor Kevin Bacon, center, helps fill care packages for his charity, Saturday, April 20, 2024, in Payson, Utah, while visiting the Utah high school where cult classic 91ƵFootloose,91Ƶ was filmed. (Jesse Sorenson via AP)

Actor Kevin Bacon on Saturday returned to the Utah high school where the cult classic movie 91ƵFootloose91Ƶ was filmed more than 40 years.

Bacon danced his way to a stage on a Payson High School athletic field Saturday to greet students before what likely was the final prom held at the school, which is set to be torn down next spring.

91ƵYou talked me into it,91Ƶ Bacon said, according to posted by Salt Lake City91Ƶs ABC 4. 91ƵIt91Ƶs great to see that kind of commitment to anything. I also think that it91Ƶs amazing to see the power that this movie has had to bring people together.91Ƶ

Bacon starred in 91ƵFootloose91Ƶ as a Chicago teen who moved to a small town and fought its ban on dancing. Payson High School students ended Saturday with a 91ƵFootloose91Ƶ-themed prom, just as the movie ended.

About 21,000 people live in Payson, which is about 60 miles south of Salt Lake City.

Principal Jesse Sorenson said students for years have tried to persuade Bacon to visit.

What started as lighthearted appeals on social media turned into a community wide campaign to partner with Bacon91Ƶs charity, Sorenson said. Students agreed to help put together 5,000 care packages for the charity, SixDegrees, to convince Bacon to visit.

Students for weeks wrote hopeful messages for the eventual owners of each of the care packages and worked with the Utah Film Commission and SixDegrees to raise money and donations of toiletries, clothing and other items to go in the backpacks, Sorenson said.

On Saturday, Bacon helped fill the bags alongside what Sorenson estimated was about 700 students and 300 community members.

Sorenson, who graduated from Payson High School in 1995, said DJs always play the song 91ƵFootloose91Ƶ at proms, and students recreate the film91Ƶs iconic dance. Older residents tell stories of being an extra in the film and delight in pointing out spots in Payson shown in the movie, he said.

91ƵIt91Ƶs something they can be proud of, and it91Ƶs fun for them,91Ƶ the principal said.

The Associated Press

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