Champion dancer-gone-country singer signs on to star in film remake of 'Footloose'

First-rate hoofer Hough to star in Footloose.

First she danced her way to into TV viewers’ hearts on Dancing With the Stars before prancing into the country-music arena, where she was welcomed by a ready fan base and radio play.

Along the way to country-music success, and in rather short order, she handily scored a serious suitor, country’s Chuck Wicks, as well as a coveted  2009 Academy of Country Music trophy,

Now, for her curtain call, if you will, Julianne Hough is poised to join the cast of Paramount’s upcoming re-do of 1984’s popular Footloose movie, which originally starred Kevin Bacon and Lori Singer.

Per a recent Hollywood Reporter tip, fans have learned that the Utah-born dancer-vocalist will make her film debut opposite Gossip Girl's heartthrob Chace Crawford beginning in March, sans any scheduling hold-ups or conflicts. She will, quite naturally, reprise Singer’s role of character Ariel Moore.

The Reporter also alerts that High School Musical’s Kenny Ortega will both produce and direct the remake, which will feature a screenplay rewrite by Susannah Grant. (The original film was produced by Craig Zadan.)

As for those country fans who fear Hough's moved on to her next career choice, per a June 22 report in Nashville-based Country Aircheck, the triple-threat entertainer—referring to her career segue over to the big screen—has said, "Music will always be my foundation. Singing, acting and dancing all kind of go together. It's not like I'm trying to be an astronaut and a singer."

Clearly, the blond choreographer-gone-country starlet is a multi-talented force to be reckoned with. That point duly noted, this writer now wonders (and predicts, really) if Hough will be a staple of the upcoming flick’s soundtrack? After all, if the toe shoe fits, wear it, no?
 

For more info: Official Julianne Hough Web site, Julianne Hough on Twitter, Julianne Hough on MySpace. To seeHough's latest music video, simply scroll down to view.

 Music video for "My Hallelujah Song" by Julianne Hough.