Ren monologue from Footloose

Ren’s monologue

I just wanted to say a few words, cuz I think this idea scares a lot of people. It shouldn’t. (Unfolds a piece of paper, clears his throat, reads:) “From the oldest times, people danced for many reasons. They danced so their crops would be plentiful or so that their hunt would be good. They danced to show their community spirit, and they danced to celebrate. And that’s the dancing we’re talking about.”

And aren’t we told – excuse me, Reverend – aren’t we told in Psalm 149 to “praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song. Let them praise his Name in the dance?” (He looks to Shaw who, stunned, slowly sits.) And it was King David… King David who we read about in Samuel. And what did David do? What did David do? (Stalls, trying to find the passage:) What did David do? (He finds it.) Ah! “David danced before the Lord with all his might. Leaping and dancing before the Lord.” (Shows the Bible to the Council Members.) Leaping and dancing. And Ecclesiastes assures us that, “There is a time to every purpose under heaven – a time to laugh and a time to weep. There is a time to mourn and there is a time to dance.” There was a time for this law, but not anymore. And this is our time. Our time to celebrate life. That’s the way it was in the beginning, the way it’s always been and that’s the way it should be now. Thank you.

Excerpt for study and audition practice. Read the full play for context.