“Flashdance… What a Feeling” by Irene Cara is an iconic song from the 1983 movie Flashdance. Composed by Giorgio Moroder with the lyrics by Keith Forse and Irene Cara, the track served as the film’s main theme and became one of the most enduring pop anthems of the 1980s. The song’s empowering lyrics, infectious energy, and association with the movie’s famous dance sequences cemented its place in pop culture history.
The song was created specifically for the movie Flashdance, a film that follows the story of Alex Owens, a steelworker by day and dancer by night, pursuing her dream of becoming a professional dancer. Composer Giorgio Moroder, a pioneer of electronic dance music and disco, was brought on to create the score for the film. He collaborated with Keith Forsey for the lyrics and enlisted Irene Cara to co-write and perform the track.
Cara, who was already known for her role in Fame and its title song, brought a personal touch to the lyrics. Her involvement in writing and singing the song helped ensure that it matched the film’s themes of resilience, ambition, and self-belief. The lyrics of “Flashdance… What a Feeling” are inspirational and empowering, reflecting the central theme of the movie: chasing dreams and overcoming obstacles.
The track blends elements of pop, disco, and electronic dance music, showcasing Giorgio Moroder’s signature production style.The song opens with a slow, dreamy introduction, building into a powerful, upbeat rhythm driven by electronic synthesizers. The gradual tempo change mirrors the emotional arc of the lyrics, starting soft and reflective before exploding into a celebratory anthem. Cara’s emotive and powerful vocal performance captures both the vulnerability and determination of the song’s message.
Released in March 1983, “Flashdance… What a Feeling” became a massive hit, topping charts worldwide. In the United States, it reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for six weeks. It also topped the singles charts in several other countries, including Canada, Australia, and the UK. It was awarded Gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America for sales of one million copies and won the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Original Song and earned Cara the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. The song’s success played a significant role in the Flashdance soundtrack becoming one of the best-selling albums of the year.
“Flashdance… What a Feeling” is inseparable from the film’s iconic dance sequences, particularly the climactic audition scene where Alex performs a dazzling routine to prove her talent. The combination of Cara’s uplifting anthem and Jennifer Beals’ energetic performance (enhanced by professional dancer doubles) made this scene one of the most memorable moments in cinematic history.