Flashdance Episode #859

Flashdance Episode #859

From Zen Pop by Todd and Cathy Adams

March 10, 2026 · 1h 8m · Season 1 · Episode 859

About this episode

Cathy and Todd discuss the cultural significance and themes of the 1983 film Flashdance.

Dance month continues as Cathy and Todd discuss the 1983 film Flashdance, directed by Adrian Lyne and written by Tom Hedley and Joe Eszterhas, a movie that helped define the early-1980s MTV-style of filmmaking with its fast cuts, dance scenes, and unforgettable soundtrack. Starring Jennifer Beals as Alex, a young steel mill welder who dances at night while dreaming of becoming a professional dancer, the film blends working-class ambition and romance. They discuss why the movie became such a cultural moment, from its Oscar-winning song “Flashdance… What a Feeling” by Irene Cara to its iconic fashion and dance scenes, while also focusing on some of the film’s contradictions around female ambition, performance, and power. Last week was Footloose, next week, Billy Elliott! Some Ways to Support Us Sign up for Cathy’s Substack Order Restoring our Girls Join Team Zen Links shared in this episode: For the full show notes, visit zenpopparenting.com . This week’s sponsor(s): Avid Co DuPage County Area Decorating, Painting, Remodeling by Avid Co includes kitchens, basements, bathrooms, flooring, tiling, fire and flood restoration. David Serrano- Certified Financial Planner- 815-370-3780…

People in this episode

Hosts: Cathy Adams, Todd Adams

Topics covered

  • Flashdance
  • 1980s film
  • dance
  • female ambition
  • cultural impact

Keywords

  • Flashdance
  • dance film
  • 1983
  • MTV-style
  • female empowerment

Sponsors

Avid Co, MenLiving, Todd Adams Life & Leadership Coaching for Guys

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Flashdance, Footloose, Billy Elliott

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