Patsy Swayze: Every Day, A Chance to Dance

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.

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.

Many of the interviewees said that Patsy's story needs to be told and she deserves recognition that she never fully received. The interviews are placed in the approximate time sequence of when the person first had contact with Patsy, so that her story can be told in a somewhat organized manner. Many of the people who participated in the book had a lifelong relationship with Patsy. There are approximately sixty-four photos (most in color and rarely-seen) that help tell this story.

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.