About the Book
THIS IS THE STORY OF THE MOTHER AND MENTOR OF MEGASTAR PATRICK SWAYZE! The book honors and celebrates Patsy Swayze. There are twenty-nine fascinating interviews of students, colleagues, and friends; including Broadway, ballet, television, movie, and dance performers. Their stories showcase her role as a trailblazer and the extent of her influence on the interviewees and on the world. Many of her students continue to carry forward her legacy by following in her giant dance footsteps. There are approximately sixty-four photos (most in color and rarely-seen) that help tell this story. Patsy continues to touch the lives of multitudes of people, including the author's life.
Patsy was an icon in the dance and performing arts world for decades as a dancer, teacher, mentor, and choreographer. Her work includes founding the Houston Jazz Ballet, teaching at the University of Houston, running her own dance studios, and choreographing for Theatre, Incorporated, Playhouse Theatre, and Hollywood movies. She inspired thousands of dance students, many of whom went on to become professionals in the performing arts, and instilled in all students a strong work ethic and set of values. With that said, she was most proud of her family and thought her greatest achievement was being the mother of five children.
Of course, Patsy had one very famous student, her beloved son Patrick, known as "Buddy" to family and friends. The book will touch on the relationship between Patsy and Buddy, and Buddy's life. Another renowned student is Jaclyn Smith, who kindly granted an interview about her experiences with Patsy.
Patsy was a pioneer in opening her dance classes and her heart to all students, regardless of race, economic, or cultural background, and this was no small feat in the fifties and sixties in Houston. In addition, Patsy was known to be extremely philanthropic.
Enjoy the exclusive stories and rarely-seen photos of Patsy and Patrick. Read the amazing interviews. Be inspired by someone who was a hero, someone who gave so much to others and has left such a profound legacy.
About the Author :
Sue Tabashnik published her newest book Patsy Swayze: Every Day, A Chance to Dance in July 2022. PATRICK SWAYZE The Dreamer was released by Tabashnik in September 2017. This book presents how Swayze's focus on dreams for himself and others sustained him and guided him to live a zest-filled and hopeful life even while dealing with great adversity. Her earlier two unique Dirty Dancing tribute books are The Fans' Love Story: How the Movie DIRTY DANCING Captured the Hearts of Millions! (July 2010) and The Fans' Love Story ENCORE: How the Movie DIRTY DANCING Captured the Hearts of Millions!(December 2013).She became a fan of Patrick Swayze in 1988. She was an active member of the Official Patrick Swayze International Fan Club from 2000-2010, which included writing numerous articles for the club magazine. She had the good fortune to meet Patrick Swayze several times at movie screenings and benefit events from 2002-2004, which led her to become an even bigger fan. She also had the pleasure of meeting Patsy Swayze at a film event in 2003. Sue has worked as a master's level social worker since 1977. Sue has lived most of her life in the Detroit area. Author website: https: //www.likedirtydancing.com
Review :
I can't tell you how much fun I had reading your book. What great memories I had with Patsy. I know Patsy and Patrick or "Buddy" as we know him would be so happy and proud of your book.
--Jaclyn Smith, Actress, Designer, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist
Your book traces the experiences of the talented artists who were milestones in Patsy's life and therefore in Patrick's life. Above all, you trace the rise of Patrick's career and his love for dance and acting and how it was impacted by his mother and mentor, Patsy. This is seen through the hearts and minds of those who loved Patsy and Buddy. And how that love fostered his own greatness. We are all products of those who have loved and respected us throughout our lives, and your book highlights the extraordinary men and women who were fortunate enough to share the spotlight with Buddy.
These interviews are a lasting testament to the influence Patsy Swayze had on so many elements in the performing arts, giving life and passion to the men and women who revolutionized the stage, film and television industries, inspiring so many to be "the best they could be." As is quoted from Jaclyn Smith about Patsy: "Thank you for pushing me. Thank you for making me understand the discipline of what a career is, in that: It isn't just performing, it's the homework you do and the everyday carry-through."
My favorite phrase is: "Pasty gave love. In Abundance." That was Patrick! By understanding her-as she is revealed to us so masterfully in these interviews-we understand Patrick! How also the most talented people of his generation saw him, his untiring passion making him comparable to Gene Kelly. . . .
In all my career, I have never met such a dedicated and passionate human being on set and off the set.
--Joshua Sinclair, Friend and Colleague of Buddy Swayze, Director, Writer, Producer, Physician
I enjoyed the ride through time with a lot of my old friends, celebs and performers from right here in my own back yard. Some stories were old and told the way I remember and some were new and entertaining. Thank you for this journey with Patsy!
--Lauren Anderson, First African American Principal Ballerina of the Houston Ballet
. . . her many achievements have never been fully assembled in one place and celebrated before. . . . Patsy Swayze: Every Day, A Chance to Dance represents a key piece of literature. It should become a mainstay in any performing arts or memoir collection.
--Diane Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review, and Editor, Donovan's Literary Services
Patsy was the first one to integrate the world of dance for African Americans in Houston, Texas. This is an important book for students to have to learn about the history of African Americans in the world of dance.
--Dwight Baxter, Choreographer, Director, Producer, Dancer
