Chicago native Ren McCormack and his mother, Ethel, relocate to the quaint town of Bomont to live with Ren's relatives. While attending a church service, Ren encounters Reverend Shaw Moore, his wife Vi, and their rebellious daughter, Ariel. Ariel struggles against her father’s strict religious rules and engages in reckless behavior.
At school, Ren forms a friendship with Willard Hewitt and quickly discovers that the town council has outlawed both dancing and rock music. As Ren develops feelings for Ariel, her jealous boyfriend Chuck Cranston confronts him, resulting in a tense game of chicken involving tractors, which Ren ultimately wins.
Worried about Ren's impact on Ariel, Reverend Moore forbids her from seeing him. In an act of defiance, Ren takes Willard, Ariel, and her friend Rusty to a country bar in a neighboring county to experience the freedom of dancing. Willard, inexperienced on the dance floor, becomes agitated and ends up in a fight with another patron dancing with Rusty. As they return home, Ariel reveals the painful history surrounding her older brother's tragic death in a car accident that occurred after a night of alcohol and dancing, which prompted Reverend Moore to advocate for the town’s strict anti-liquor and anti-dancing laws.
Determined to challenge the oppressive laws and make a way for the high school to hold a prom, Ren decides to take a stand. Willard feels insecure about his dancing skills, so Ren teaches him how to dance. Conflict escalates when Chuck confronts Ariel about her feelings for Ren, leading to a physical fight that results in their breakup. Ren is there for Ariel to help her regain her composure, further solidifying their bond.
One night, an act of aggression occurs when someone throws a brick with the ominous message, “Burn in Hell,” through the window of Ren's home. Following this, Ethel urges Ren to stand up for his beliefs, even if it comes at a cost to her own career.
Encouraged by Ariel, Ren addresses the town council to demand the repeal of the anti-dancing law, emphasizing the Biblical views on dancing as a means of celebrating life. While Reverend Moore is touched by Ren's passionate plea, the council ultimately votes against him. However, Vi tells Moore that he cannot assume the role of a father for the entire town, especially not for Ariel.
Though Reverend Moore learns about Ren's family struggles and Ariel's personal truths, he maintains his resolution. Shortly after, he witnesses members of his own congregation burning books they believe may corrupt their youth. Realizing the situation is spinning out of control, he intervenes and sends the book-burners home.
On the following Sunday, Reverend Moore asks his congregation to pray for the high school students planning the prom, which will take place just outside Bomont's jurisdiction. On prom night, Moore and Vi anxiously listen from outside the venue. As tensions run high, Chuck and his gang attack Willard, but Ren arrives just in time to level the playing field, taking down Chuck. Together, Ren, Ariel, Willard, and Rusty join the celebration, embracing the joyous night of dancing and freedom.
