Kirjahaku

I have written this book to honor and celebrate Patsy Swayze. I hope that reading the stories of some of her students, colleagues, and friends as to how they were influenced by her will showcase what an icon and 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. 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. Another renowned student is Jaclyn Smith, who kindly granted a full-length interview about her experiences with Patsy. In her role as choreographer for Urban Cowboy, Patsy taught dance steps to John Travolta, and that will be covered as well. 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.I want to thank the twenty-nine interviewees for their enthusiasm, support, and time they put forth for the book. Many of them said that Patsy's story needs to be told and she deserves recognition that she never fully received. I have attempted to place the interviews 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 interviewees had a lifelong relationship with Patsy. There are approximately sixty-four photos (most in color) that help tell this story.Patsy Swayze continues to touch the lives of multitudes of people, including mine, for which I am grateful

Patrick Swayze was more than a legendary performer of movies, dance, television shows, Broadway shows, and songs. He was also a family man, friend, trailblazer, dreamer, and an inspiration.This inspiring collection compiles memories, stories, and tributes from colleagues in the entertainment industry, including writers, directors, producers, actors, and stunt staff, friends, Arabian horse enthusiasts, and fans. Their stories will entertain and move you as they pay homage to a man who not only was an immensely talented performer, but who also was a hero.Patrick lived a life in which he demonstrated courage in the face of adversity--time and time again--and showcased traditional values and beliefs such as loyalty, morality, and integrity.He was an advocate for the performing arts, conservation, cancer diagnostic and treatment advances, and Arabian horses. He battled pancreatic cancer with his "never-give-up" determination, courage, and grace that touched countless lives.Enjoy exclusive memories, stories, tributes, and behind-the-scenes information from forty-four contributors. Appreciate words from Patrick that are timeless and moving. View nineteen delightful and rarely-seen photos. Be inspired while you celebrate and honor Patrick. Help preserve Patrick's powerful legacy as an Artist and a man of character and spirituality.Patrick was known to talk about the power of love in real life and in his movies Dirty Dancing and Ghost. He sums this up beautifully when he talks about his movie Three Wishes: "It's about the only thing we have is love . . . and that's all you take with you when you die." --Patrick Swayze, copyright 1995 by and used with permission of Us Weekly.