In this musical drama, Jennifer Beals stars as a welder by day and an exotic dancer by night, but what she really, really wants is to join the Pittsburgh Ballet. Her dream ambition and fluffy romance with Michael Nouri look welded together from other Hollywood fairy tales such as Fame and Saturday Night Fever, yet director Adrian Lyne caught the post-disco visual mood of the time to win over even the most cynical viewer. The title song (featuring Irene Cara) won an Oscar, while a major scandal developed when it was reported that Beals was doubled by Marine Jahan in the strenuous dance scenes.

Alex Owens, a young woman juggling between two odd jobs, aspires to become a successful ballet dancer. Nick, who is her boss and lover, supports and encourages her to fulfil her dream.