How a Dance Movie from 2011 Reshaped My Life: A Nostalgic Journey

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Occasionally, I find myself watching a movie that transports me right back to the moment I saw it for the first time as a child, and that’s exactly what happened when I recently revisited 2011’s Footloose.

Over the span of cinema’s history, certain films have left an indelible mark on their audiences or shaped generations. For some, it’s through classic rom-coms or terrifying horror flicks, but for me, it was always dance that struck a chord. The most captivating dance movies played a significant role in shaping who I am today. I had an undying affection for dance.

However, among all dance movies, one consistently rose above the rest, and that was none other than the 2011 remake of “Footloose.” Upon revisiting it as a grown adult, I’m now comprehending the profound impact this film had on my life trajectory…and it could be for an unexpected reason.

I’ve Said Before That I Love The Newer One Compared To The Older One

To clarify things before any misunderstanding arises, I want you to know that I’m a fan of the 2011 version of “Footloose”. It may sound odd, but there are actually two variations of this movie. While some folks might recall the ’80s original, for me it was the remake that left an impact during my childhood years.

To be completely honest, it resonates deeply with me because it was released during a significant phase in my life. However, let me clarify that there are numerous classic films, timeless originals, and more that hold a special place in my cinematic “Roman Empire.” I could gush endlessly about the ’90s movies, as they were a staple of my childhood viewing, repeatedly watched on VHS.

2011 marked a significant shift in my perspective, largely due to the explosion of hip-hop dancing on the internet and the type of music that became popular during that period. It was an ideal time for a dance movie such as Footloose, and it truly had a profound impact on my life’s trajectory.

But Watching Them Dance In The 2011 Film Reminds Me Of Little Me

If you’re looking at this text, it might have crossed your mind how a 2011 reboot of an ’80s movie could significantly impact a young girl’s destiny. Here’s a straightforward explanation for that puzzle.

I wanted to be like Julianne Hough.

From ‘Footloose,’ I found myself captivated by her. Although she’s a professionally trained dancer, it was in that movie where I first saw her and felt an attraction to emulate her style, demeanor, looks, and overall essence. At the age of twelve, was this normal to feel such admiration?

Probably not.

Despite everything, I still yearned to be like her, and as I watched the 2011 version of this film now, it strikingly brings back memories of my younger self and how desperately I aspired to transform in order to fit in, to embody the typical beautiful and talented characters portrayed in movies such as this one.

I Tried So Hard To Get Healthy In Order To Dance Like That

Watching the dancing in “Footloose” prompted me to reflect on my identity and how strongly I desired to reach a stage where I could dance effortlessly like the characters. This desire led me to set a goal for myself: to improve my health, inspired by “Footloose”.

In various posts, I’ve shared my experiences, but let me recount a significant part of my childhood: I endured intense bullying. Managing my naturally thick, curly Puerto Rican hair was challenging, as it often became tangled and never seemed well-groomed. To add to the mix, I had bushy eyebrows that grew rapidly, and to top it off, I struggled with excess weight. This combination made me an easy target for children’s harsh words, and their taunts left deep scars on my young heart.

It was clear to me that I stood out among the characters in Footloose due to my ethnicity, but I also believed I could maintain good health. At the minimum, I thought I could dance as well as they did.

At that point, I made every effort to shed excess pounds. Granted, it wasn’t the healthiest obsession for someone my age back then, but I feel it was necessary. If I hadn’t pushed myself as hard as I did, I can’t fathom where my life might have taken me after that.

In the movie “Footloose”, although typical high school bullying was present, what resonated with me was the struggle to express myself through dance. However, I couldn’t fully embrace this passion unless I focused on my health. Fast forward to today, I now maintain a healthier lifestyle than I ever imagined, and it all started from a 2011 film about a town yearning to dance but unable to do so.

And Now I Genuinely Feel Proud Of Myself For How Far I’ve Come Because Of A Movie

Have I reached the point where I’m equally skilled in dancing as Julianne Hough? Honestly, that’s quite amusing to consider. It seems no one could ever match her skill level. That’s why you find me here, penning these words instead.

Currently, dancing serves as my leisure activity, and it’s delightful to discover others who share the same enthusiasm. It wasn’t merely the film that sparked my affection for dance; rather, it was a catalyst that ignited my love for numerous other aspects of life. My initial motivation was to improve my health and personal growth, which led me down this exciting path.

As a passionate moviegoer, I must confess that my journey has been far from smooth sailing. The road was winding and riddled with obstacles, more akin to a bumpy gravel path than a well-paved highway. Needless to say, there were times when I hit potholes hard enough to leave their mark. But through it all, I’ve picked up my fair share of scrapes, bruises, and scars.

Looking back, I can’t help but remember the hurdles that tested my resolve – challenges that forced me to grow, adapt, and ultimately, embrace myself. Today, as I stand here, I am proud to say that I have emerged stronger, more resilient, and most importantly, comfortable in my own skin.

However, on another viewing of the movie “Footloose”, it’s hard not to laugh about the irony that it is actually a remake itself.

To set the record straight, I must express my continued appreciation for the dance sequences in these contemporary films. They remain among the finest I’ve witnessed. Yet, they tend to provoke thought in me, a young woman, about the deeper meanings and symbolism hidden within them.

Many times, I encounter individuals who don’t grasp my intense love for movies and TV series. They may not comprehend why I enthusiastically suggest Netflix binge-worthy shows or delve deeply into the intricacies of the Harry Potter films, among other things. However, the truth is that these shows have often had a profound impact on me, much like the film Footloose did.

Watching something like this brings home the fact that many film or TV enthusiasts cherish a movie or series not just for its content, but for the emotions it evoked during viewing. The impact of these feelings can be so profound that their lives are altered by the simple act of choosing to watch. I find this touching because now, I too understand this emotional connection.

It seems like I might be getting a bit sentimental, but I can’t deny my feelings, and I’m sure many others share this too. I believe it’s high time we embarked on another movie extravaganza, ready to experience a fresh wave of emotions together.

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2025-03-23 16:08