What do you think?
Rate this book
Patsy Swayze: Every Day, A Chance to Dance
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.
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.
- GenresNonfiction
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2022
2 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 16, 2022
Patrick Swayze was one of my favorite actors growing up. I always loved the story of his relationship with his mom. This story did not disappoint. It’s a beautifully written book about mentorship, love, and the sustainability of relationships. Told from those who knew and loved her the author does a fabulous job of brining her character to life.
I also enjoyed learning more about her career and past. She reminds me of my favorite teachers growing up (tough yet generous with their time). She is admirable for so many reasons and someone we should all aspire to be!
I also enjoyed learning more about her career and past. She reminds me of my favorite teachers growing up (tough yet generous with their time). She is admirable for so many reasons and someone we should all aspire to be!
September 28, 2022
“Patsy Swayze: Every Day, A Chance To Dance”, a biography of the life of native Houstonian and performing arts aficionado, Patsy Swayze, by Sue Tabashnik, has captured the real life persona of this extraordinary individual. I am privileged to have been included in the writing along with many who have collaborated with Sue to expound on the behind the scenes moments with an Houston enigma. Sue has gathered those of us who knew Patsy best and together we share our personal moments as we trained and worked for the inimitable creator of “le danse”. No one has worked harder than Patsy Swayze in developing “The Houston Theater District” that we enjoy today. I found great joy as I read each account. “Patsy Swayze: Every Day, A Chance to Dance”, will delight and enlighten you as it did me. I am so grateful to Sue Tabashnik for accurately depicting this wonderful woman, Patsy Swayze. Please buy the book and enjoy a piece of Houston history.
January 17, 2023
This was very very good book was surprised the life she has led. The way dance is and was always present in her life and how it shaped every part of it.
Sue does a great job of rendering Patsy to her reader, though I think her life helps with that.
Great book, inspiring. We can learn from the way Patsy lives her life.
Sue does a great job of rendering Patsy to her reader, though I think her life helps with that.
Great book, inspiring. We can learn from the way Patsy lives her life.
January 4, 2023
What a wonderful account of Patsy Swayze, the life she has lived, her love of dance, and her love of life. I thought this was very well done. Sue Tabashnik really does a great job of highlighting Patsy’s life.
January 3, 2023
A wonderfully written entertaining book about the journey of Patsy Swayze at times touching, tender, loving, and empathic. All while being a beautiful dedication to the love of dance. An entertaining read!!!!!
December 7, 2022
This is really well done. It really shines the light on the love of dance and how Patsy Swayze really embraced that every day.
Sue Tabashnik does a great job of endearing the reader to Patsy and her life.
Anyone who has a love of dance will enjoy this and Patsy’s life story.
Sue Tabashnik does a great job of endearing the reader to Patsy and her life.
Anyone who has a love of dance will enjoy this and Patsy’s life story.
August 14, 2022
A remarkable tribute
I didn’t know much about Patsy Swayze before reading this book, but the variety of interviews from people who knew and loved her over the years and beautiful pictures show what an incredible woman she was. Simultaneously tough and demanding while also loving and generous, it’s fun to read the stories and gain some more insight into her career and her most famous son, Patrick “Buddy” Swayze. I appreciate the author’s work in documenting her legacy.
I didn’t know much about Patsy Swayze before reading this book, but the variety of interviews from people who knew and loved her over the years and beautiful pictures show what an incredible woman she was. Simultaneously tough and demanding while also loving and generous, it’s fun to read the stories and gain some more insight into her career and her most famous son, Patrick “Buddy” Swayze. I appreciate the author’s work in documenting her legacy.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews