In my mind February 17, 1984 is a major day in film history because it's the day Footloose opened in theaters. Yes, I'm clearly an 80s child who is in love with Kevin Bacon and the idea of dance as rebellion. If you haven't seen Footloose, you need to drop everything and see this film. And not the remake, the original film, nothing compares to the original. The movie centers around Ren McCormack, who moves to a small town where dancing is banned —yes this plot is only possible in the 1980s . But Ren can't help but dance and he fights to end the ban on dancing. I tried to think of a worthy way to celebrate Footloose's anniversary. In the privacy of my own home I will re-enact the dance sequence from the end of the film. But for you dear readers, I've come up with the reasons why I absolutely adore this movie. 1. The music The Footloose soundtrack is still on my iPod and probably will never leave it because it's that good. Kenny Loggins "Footloose" is simply irresistible, you can't help but get up and dance. And not to be forgotten is Deniece Williams "Let's Hear it For the Boy." This song is the backdrop to the most awkwardly charming scene in movie history. If you're like me, I'm sure you've memorized every song from this movie. Okay, I've obviously memorized all the dances too. This film's soundtrack is amazing and that's why it got two Academy Awards nominations for Best Music, Original Song — see not even the academy can resist "Footloose." 2. Kevin Bacon Was anyone not in love with Kevin Bacon in the 80s? I'm pretty sure the whole world swooned when he stripped down to that white tank top and danced in the abandoned building. Kevin Bacon has some serious moves. I also think Kevin Bacon was responsible for the coloured suit trend we saw in the 1980s that has come back in fashion over the last year. Nobody makes a burgundy suit look as good as him. 3. The opening sequence Is there a better opening sequence in the history of film? Okay, there probably is a more critically-acclaimed one, but I still love Footloose's. All those dancing feet are pure genius. I don't think I've ever made it through the first three minutes of this film without dancing. And that's the point of the movie, to show you the appeal of dance and how it can't be resisted. Plus, seeing all those retro shoes is one big flashback to 80s fashions, complete with high tops and socks with heels. 4. Sarah Jessica Parker Yes, before SJP became Carrie Bradshaw she played the best friend to the female lead in Footloose. If you're a Sex and the City fan, you'll probably have a hard time recognizing Sarah in this movie. She has dark curly hair and her wardrobe is less than stellar, there's a lot of high-waisted jeans. Oh and her name is Rusty. It's not SJP's most glamorous role, but she's so charming as the innocent Rusty who gets mad at her boyfriend for not dancing with her —this is why I love the 80s because it's not all about sex for couples. Why do you love Footloose? Photo courtesy of Issdenlor/FlickrCC