Flashdance: Welding, Wigs and The Gayest Welding Burlesque Bar (COMMISSIONED)

The GymCastic Movie Club takes on FLASHDANCE—the runaway 1983 hit that is essentially a collection of MTV music videos held together by sparks, leg warmers and vibes. Thank you, Rose for commissioning this episode.

We discuss the stunt wigs, the film's gymnastics influence, and the gayest welder's burlesque bar in Pittsburgh.

Alex's complete lack of ballet training and the legendary final audition featuring a dive roll performed by collegiate gymnastics history-maker Sharon Shapiro. Jessica also brings us firsthand stories from Sharon about filming the scene. Commissioned by Rose.

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IN THIS EPISODE

• Which one is Flashdance again?

• The true story that inspired the movie

• Jennifer Beals and Pittsburgh Ballet Versailles

• How Flashdance influenced gymnastics floor routines

• Sharon Shapiro's iconic audition dive roll

• The stunt doubles and constantly changing wigs

• The gayest welder's burlesque of all time

• Tina Tech's "Manhunt" routine

• Jeanie's disastrous skating audition

• Everything wrong with Alex's boss-turned-boyfriend

• The "What a Feeling" finale

• Casting a gymnastics remake

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Welcome to the Flashdance Movie Club

02:51 – The True Story and 1983 Phenomenon

07:05 – Why Flashdance Is Gymnastics-Related

11:37 – The Plot, Such as It Is

21:06 – The Gayest Welder's Burlesque

40:49 – Montage-a-Palooza

49:25 – Jeanie, Skating and the Supporting Characters

59:20 – Who Is Hannah?

1:02:53 – Lobster and the Horrible Boss Romance

1:14:23 – The "What a Feeling" Audition

1:18:52 – Sharon Shapiro's Stories from the Set

1:25:08 – Casting the Flashdance Remake

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