Biography
Date Published: July 12, 2022
Publisher: Passion Spirit Dreams Press
The book honors and celebrates Patsy Swayze. There are twenty-nine interviews which include her students, colleagues, and friends. Their stories showcase what a trailblazer she was and the extent of her influence on them and on the world. Many of her students continue to carry forward her legacy by following in her giant dance footsteps. There are sixty-four photos, most in color and rarely seen, which help tell this story.
Patsy Swayze 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 touches on the relationship between Patsy and Buddy, and Buddy’s life. Another renowned student is Jaclyn Smith, who kindly granted a full-length 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.
Patsy Swayze continues to touch the lives of multitudes of people, including the author’s life. In today’s world it is especially wonderful to have such a hero, someone who gave so much to others and has left such a profound legacy.
From Sue Tabashnik
I am the author of four books. I have my own publishing company Passion Spirit Dream Press.
I have dabbled in writing since college. My writing became serious when I wrote articles on a regular basis for the Official Patrick Swayze International Fan Club magazine from 2002-2009. I was inspired by Patrick Swayze to get more intense about my writing in 2003 when I met him and viewed his film, One Last Dance, at the premiere in 2003 in Houston, Texas.
To quote from a written interview that I did for SMASHWORDS (which is still on my author profile there):
“I have to say that going to Houston in 2003 to see the screening of One Last Dance and having the experience of meeting Patrick there and seeing the passion put forth in the movie was totally life-changing. I came away thinking and feeling that I could make my dreams come true—which, of course was the theme of One Last Dance and was the reality of Patrick and Lisa making one of their dreams come true by completion of that movie. I found it very inspiring that Patrick and Lisa stuck with their project for so long and succeeded to make such a brilliant dance movie.”
During my writing journey, I have enjoyed meeting and connecting with so many people. I have published four non-fiction books since 2010; two books as tributes to Dirty Dancing and Patrick Swayze, a biography on Patrick Swayze, and my latest book, a biography on Patsy Swayze. I continue to grow as an author and learn more about the publishing world with each book. My passion for writing remains strong. I hope to continue making positive contributions to a world that sorely needs it.
My book tells the story of a woman who profoundly influenced the performing arts world and thousands of students. So not only did she turn her students into superb performers in ballet companies, Broadway shows, television shows and into amazing dance teachers and choreographers, she instilled in all of her students a strong work ethic and set of values.
The book focuses on the relationship between Patsy and her beloved son, Patrick, known as “Buddy” to family and friends.
Patsy was a pioneer in opening her dance classes and her heart to all students, regardless of race, economic, or cultural background, which was no small feat in the fifties and sixties in Houston. She was also very philanthropic—frequently did not charge her students for classes and did work with disabled children.
The twenty-nine interviews are quite varied from Broadway performers, ballet company dancers, choreographers, a family member, an actress from Urban Cowboy, Patrick’s bodyguard, It is very difficult to choose which interviewees to focus on, as all are quite interesting. I would select Jaclyn Smith and Dwight Baxter and the Ewings: Susie and Blake (mother and son).
Non-fiction, Biography, Entertainment.
High school, Adults.
There are several messages.
First (per my CLOSING chapter):
“Patsy Swayze is the perfect example of how one person following their dreams, passion, and values can influence so many people, and the world for that matter, in such a compelling and positive way.”
Second: The performing arts are very important.
Third: The influence of a mother on a son.
Hashtags: #Dance #Patrick Swayze #Jazz #Ballet #Southernbiography #Celebritymother #Choreographer #Dirty Dancing
I am open to suggestions. I am not well-versed in hashtags.
About the Author
Sue Tabashnik published her last book PATRICK SWAYZE The Dreamer 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 great pleasure of meeting Patsy Swayze at a film event in 2003.
Sue worked as a master’s level psychiatric social worker from 1977-2022. Sue has lived most of her life in the Detroit area. Author website: https://www.likedirtydancing.com.
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