Actress Jennifer Beals (Alex Owens), Director Adrian Lyne, and Actor Michael Nouri (Nick Hurley)

The iconic “Flashdance” film, which has galvanized generations worldwide with its synergy of stylistic filmmaking, memorable characters, and fantastic fusion of dance and music — celebrated its’ 30th Anniversary at a sold-out screening event at the Aero Theatre in Los Angeles, California on September 21st — reuniting the director and many cast members in what proved to be a very unique and fitting tribute. During the screening, the audience applauded, laughed, and cheered throughout — just as audiences had when the film first lept onto the screen. Afterwards — director Adrian Lyne, actress Jennifer Beals (Alex Owens), and actors Michael Nouri (Nick Hurley) and Kyle T. Heffner (Richie) — who’d not seen each other in many years — spoke to the audience about their experiences making the film, during a panel moderated by filmmaker Jim Hemphill. Here now is your “front row seat” to this historic panel, with an exclusive video of the event!

Aero Theatre Marquee – September 21st – Los Angeles, California

“Take your passion, and make it happen…” — lyrics from the film’s award winning title song: “What a Feeling”.

As the summer of 1983 approached, many filmgoers had their sights set on the release of what was then being billed as the final cinematic chapter of the STAR WARS saga: “Episode 6 – Return of the Jedi” (if and when Lucas would return for more STAR WARS films was in question at that time) — but just a month prior to its release, “Flashdance” exploded onto the scene — a phenomenon that no one saw coming… and it held its’ own throughout the summer’s box office — even against Darth Vader himself — going on to become the third highest grossing film in the U.S. that year.

Actress Jennifer Beals (Alex Owens)

“Flashdance” is a tale about Alex Owens (Jennifer Beals) — who welds by day, and dances at a bar by night. She aspires to do something bigger… something greater… with her dancing. Alex’s character is completely self-taught — observing and absorbing all around her, and interpreting it with her dance.

The film went on to win an Academy Award (as seen in this video) and Golden Globe for Best Original Song with “What A Feeling”: sung by Irene Cara, who wrote the song with Keith Forsey and Giorgio Moroder — Moroder also won a Golden Globe for Best Original Score for the film.

Since its’ release, “Flashdance” has continuously permeated pop culture, and received homages aplenty — including those seen in: Jennifer Lopez’s “I’m Glad” music video, “Family Guy”, “Glee”, “30 Rock”, “The Office”, “The Simpsons”, “Shrek 2”, “Six Feet Under”, “Tommy Boy”, “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle”, “The Full Monty”, “Everybody Hates Chris”, and “American Wedding”. The film has now been transfused into a successful touring production: Flashdance – The Musical, which first bowed in London in 2008 — and is currently touring throughout the U.S..

Here now is the exclusive video of the entire 30th celebration discussion panel — where Lyne, Beals, Nouri, and Heffner reflect upon their involvement with the film. The video runs approximately 40 minutes in length, and offers intriguing insight into the production. Also, be on the lookout for brief appearances by another couple of cast members towards the end of the video: Lee Ving — who played Johnny C., and Durga McBroom — who played Heels. Ving also stood up in the audience during the Q&A (earlier in the video) to address Lyne — check out what he had to say!

Director Adrian Lyne signing a “Flashdance” poster at the 30th Anniversary Event. Lyne was very gracious, and signed many items for fans — both inside and outside of the theatre. Given that a 30th Anniversary event for “Return of the Jedi” was occurring at the same time in Northern California that evening, it was a bit of a “full circle moment” to see the fan on the right wearing a Skywalker Ranch t-shirt.

30 years after its’ initial release — the “Flashdance” legacy clearly continues to captivate and inspire many, and looks to certainly do so for many more years to come.

– Jay West