About This Quiz
In the 1980s we saw an increase in the number of dance flicks and musicals being created. Some of them included "Footloose," "Dirty Dancing," "Flashdance," and "Break-in'." And while everyone had their favorites, "Dirty Dancing" and "Footloose" have been called the generational favorites in their genre.
"Footloose" is a 1984 film starring Kevin Bacon as a teen from Chicago who moves to a small town where dancing and rock music have been banned by a local minister. He decides to challenge the anti-dance rule and ends up pulling off a prom outside of the town's limits where the teens have the time of their lives.
"Dirty Dancing" is a 1987 film starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey who starred as a dance instructor and resort guest (respectively), who come from different worlds but meet and fall in love. In between the romance and the drama, the movie is filled with amazing dance moves that many people wished they could perform.
The movies have many overlapping themes and while it can be hard to differentiate which scene came from which movie, there are a few people out there who can. Will you be one of them? Take this quiz to find out if your 1980s dance movie knowledge holds up.
"Footloose" was based on real events in Elmore City, Oklahoma. "Dirty Dancing" took place in the Catskills.
We're starting this off easy! This famous line comes from "Dirty Dancing." Patrick Swayze says it just before the big finale!
The famous prom scene comes from "Footloose." The scene was reshot a few times so that it would be more lively.
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"Dirty Dancing" has its own themed retreat! "Kellerman's," which is in Pembroke in Virginia, hosts "Dirty Dancing"-style weekends.
It's never explicitly stated, but "Dirty Dancing" addresses abortion. Penny asks for Baby's money so she can get one, which was illegal at the time.
SJP was in "Footloose," but she auditioned for "Dirty Dancing"! Imagine if she had been in both!
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Ren McCormack is Kevin Bacon's character in "Footloose." He lives in a small town that bans dancing!
Remember when Jennifer Grey crawls towards Patrick Swayze on the dance floor? That was all improvised!
Lithgow plays a minister in "Footloose." He has a tragic past that comes out later in the story.
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"She's Like the Wind" was performed by Patrick Swayze himself. It's one of the most beautiful songs in the movie.
No one can forget that famous water dance in the lake! Apparently, the surrounding leaves had to be painted green because they were showing fall colors.
Patrick Swayze did all his own stunts. Kevin Bacon, on the other hand, was vexed that he had to have stunt doubles.
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Tom Cruise almost played Ren in "Footloose." He couldn't do it because of a scheduling conflict.
Swayze and Grey had worked together before on "Red Dawn." It wasn't always easy for them to work together.
The director demanded that only experienced dancers be cast. This was definitely not the case for "Footloose."
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Dianne Wiest was in Footloose. The beloved American actress played Vi Moore.
"Dirty Dancing" had so many great oldies that it sparked an oldies music revival. The album sold 32 million copies worldwide.
"Blue Lagoon" star Christopher Atkins almost played Ren. Unfortunately, he was under the influence of drugs and alcohol during his meeting with producers.
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Kevin Bacon went undercover to play Ren. He entered a high school at age 24 and only lasted a few hours.
Jennifer Grey was 10 years older than the character of Baby. In her audition, she had to prove that she could play younger.
"Dirty Dancing" has a love scene that now is in most versions. But originally, the love scene was cut, then rereleased on DVD in 2007.
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Sharon Stone auditioned for Baby in "Dirty Dancing." No one can imagine her being that innocent!
Both were turned into stage musicals. Audiences can choose their favorite retro treat.
"Dirty Dancing" actually had a sequel. The 2004 film is set in Cuba.
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Madonna auditioned for "Footloose." The role of Ariel Moore ended up going to Lori Singer.
Apparently, Kevin Bacon had a real fear of public speaking. He broke out in hives before the town council scene.
The costume designer purposefully had Johnny wearing dark colors while Baby wore light colors. In "Footloose," everyone wore jeans.
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Michael Cimino, of "Deer Hunter" fame, was cut from the movie for budgetary reasons. He was replaced by Herbert Ross, who also directed "Steel Magnolias."
Apparently, Kevin Bacon got so tired of the music from "Footloose," he would pay DJs not to play it. He thought people would want him to perform.
Wayne Knight made his film debut in "Dirty Dancing." He'd go on to make several movies, including "Jurassic Park."
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Because of O'Brien's demands, the movie was released in 1997. O'Brien later admitted that he didn't like the movie all that much!
Val Kilmer was offered the lead in "Dirty Dancing." He turned it down.
"Footloose" came out in 1984. "Dirty Dancing" didn't come out till 1987.
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Kevin Bacon wore those impossibly tight jeans on purpose! Patrick Swayze had more of a relaxed fit.