Blame it on my self-loathing. When I read about the Gusman’s Flickin’ Summer film series, I thought how could Fame, Flashdance, and The Wiz be projected on the same screen where I’ve enjoyed classics like The Sound of Music and Casablanca? What business do these frothy 80s flicks have in that august hall with the starry roof, Moorish balconies, and stuffed peacock?

Then I realized that I’m just crabby. If these films are classics, then I must be old! As Gusman director Margaret Lake patiently explains to me, she wanted to bring a new crowd to the old theater: “So many times the art that happens in Performing Arts centers can feel inaccessible to people who have not tried it,” she says.  “If a patron attends a movie and a dance party at the Gusman, they may be more likely to attend another event at the theater.”

And what could be more accessible than Jennifer Beals’ body double Irene Cara stomping in circles in her leg warmers? Or a passel of teens throwing down on the hood of a car? Or to ease on down the yellow brick road with a pre-propophol Michael Jackson? Flickin’ Summer gives you the chance to join in, with a dance party after each film. What a feeling!

Flickin’ Summer film series starts tonight, Thursday August 20, with Fame, and continues on August 27 with Flashdance,  August and The Wiz, September 3 at the Gusman, 174 E. Flagler, Miam, 305-374-2444, gusmancenter.org. All shows at 7pm followed by dance party on stage with DJ Pauer. Tickets cost $10 in advance, $15 at door.