This is an Author Interview about Patsy Swayze with Sue Tabashnik. This was an inspiring conversation. Sue Tabashnik honors and celebrates Patsy Swayze in Patsy Swayze: Every Day, A Chance to Dance. Patsy Swayze is a renowned dancer and choreographer; Sue Tabashnik shares twenty-nine fascinating interviews, which include her students, colleagues, and friends, to gain insight into Patsy’s unique approach to her craft. These stories showcase what a trailblazer Patsy was and the extent of her influence on them and 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 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. We hope you enjoy this Author’s Interview.
Sue tell us about Patsy Swayze: Every Day, A Chance To Dance?
The book honors and celebrates Patsy Swayze. She was an icon and trailblazer in the performing arts world for decades as a dancer, teacher, choreographer, and mentor. She inspired thousands of students. Her most famous student was her beloved son Patrick, known as “Buddy” to family and friends. The book details their relationship, Patrick’s life, and both of their places in performing arts history.
There are twenty-nine interviews of students, colleagues, friends, and a family member. The interviewees are quite varied from Broadway performers, ballet company dancers, choreographers, teachers, an actress from the movie Urban Cowboy, Patrick’s bodyguard, and more. There are sixty-four photos, most in color and rarely seen, that help tell the story.
The book includes Patsy being a pioneer in opening her dance classes and heart to all students, regardless of race, economic, or cultural background, and this was no small feat in Houston, Texas in the fifties and sixties.
What is the PRIMARY benefit, above all others, that your potential reader will gain from reading this book?
The primary benefit a reader will get from this book is an inspirational story with information and photos on the lives of Patsy and Patrick that cannot be found anywhere else.
If you had to compare this book to any other book out there, which book would it be?
This is a really tough question to answer because my book is very unique. My 2017 book PATRICK SWAYZE The Dreamer has some similar qualities as it is a homage to Patrick Swayze. The book has factual information, written tributes from professional colleagues, and many unique color photos. Also, there is a book Patrick Swayze: One Last Dance by Wendy Leigh that contains information from multiple sources about Patrick Swayze. A third book is about the assassination of President Kennedy, Letters to Jackie: Condolences from a Grieving Nation.
Hundreds of thousands of books come out every year. Why should someone buy THIS book?
This 280-page book is the only place that offers a detailed account of the life and achievements of Patsy Swayze through multiple informative interviews and sixty-four photos.
Who is your target audience?
The target audience is anyone from high school age and up who has an interest in any or all of these subjects: Patsy Swayze, Patrick Swayze, the performing arts world, an inspirational story.
Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage?
I grew up in an environment in which creativity was encouraged.
Tell us your most rewarding experience since publishing your work?
I am being told over and over again that the book is a wonderful tribute to Patsy Swayze, an inspirational woman, who is greatly missed. It is reported to me that the book takes people down memory lane and helps them hold on to fun and positive memories.
What was a surprise that you found in writing this book?
What I found as a surprise while writing this book was how many people wanted to participate in the book, the tremendous achievements of Patsy Swayze, and the depth of connection people had and still have with her.
What do you hope to accomplish with your book other than selling it?
I want readers to realize how one good person following their dreams and passion, and values can influence so many people, and the world for that matter, and in such a compelling and positive way. She not only shaped many artists’ lives in the fine techniques of performing, but also taught life lessons to those who pursued a career in the performing arts and those who did not.
Also, I would like readers to realize and understand the importance of the performing arts to humankind.
How can our readers get in touch with you?
My author website has a contact form: www.likedirtydancing.com
Where can our readers purchase your book? (List different outlets with the link to your book)
Click to Purchase on Barnes and Noble
Brazos Bookstore Houston, Texas
Mountain Lake Gift Shop Pembroke, Virginia
