Patsy Swayze

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