THE FANS' LOVE STORY: How The Movie 'DIRTY DANCING' Captured The Hearts Of Millions!
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Note: After Patrick Swayze passed, Mr. Dwight Rhoden, Artistic Director, Co-Founder, and Resident Choreographer at Complexions Contemporary Ballet, created “Mercy”—a two part ballet dedicated to Patrick Swayze. “Mercy” was premiered at the Joyce Theater in New York in 2009.
BARBARA SCHIEBL
Age 41. Lives in Landsburg, Germany.
February 2008 (e-mail interview). August 2008 (e-mail follow-up questions).
Has seen Dirty Dancing 101–500 times.
What year did you first see Dirty Dancing and how old were you? How did you happen to see Dirty Dancing? Did somebody tell you about it? Were you already a fan of Patrick from North and South?
I saw it first 1987 and I was twenty-one. I knew Patrick from North and South and I loved him … I was twenty-one years old and I loved dancing very, very much. I can’t remember if anyone told me about this movie, but I remember that I went to the cinema on my own, without any friends, and I loved this film from the first minute. I went to cinema every day (and sometimes twice a day) for about one week, to watch DD.
Why do you like Dirty Dancing so much?
It gave and gives me a good attitude towards life. I love the dancing and the music. I love Patrick and it is a big dream of mine to dance with him. I love the story. It’s so romantic. It’s a real feel-good movie for me.
How has Dirty Dancing impacted you personally?
The courage of “Baby” inspired me to find my own courage.
The dancing of Patrick and the others inspired me to find my own way of dancing.
In addition to Dirty Dancing, how many movies have you seen multiple times? Is Patrick in them?
I saw North and South multiple times and also One Last Dance and some other Patrick movies (for instance Road House, Forever Lulu), but none of them as often as DD.
There are some other movies without Patrick that I also watched multiple times. I think about approximately five.
Have you ever met Patrick or anyone else from the cast?
No, unfortunately not.
I am a great Patrick fan since North and South and [the] DVD came out. But after that time, my life had many challenges for me and “to be a fan” has taken a back seat until last year spring. It was March or April when I thought that it would be nice to watch DD again, and I bought the DVD. The movie fascinated me again and I became a member of Patrick’s fan club. In this time, I found out that it could get real to meet him one day because on the fan club website were many reports about the possibilities the fans have had in the past to get in touch with him. So it became a very big dream of mine to meet him one day.
Will you continue to watch Dirty Dancing?
Yes, at the moment I watch Dirty Dancing once a day. It is always a time of a few weeks when I watch Dirty Dancing so intensive. Afterwards, I make a pause of a few weeks and then I start again.
What do you think about Dirty Dancing, the movie being made into the stage production, and do you plan to see the stage production?
For me, Dirty Dancing is connected with Patrick and Jennifer, and I don’t plan to see the stage production.
Please say more about your statement on the questionnaire that said:
“has given me hope for my life, that I will have the courage to find my way especially in dancing.”
I had a sad time with big family differences behind me. Watching Dirty Dancing gave me hope because I began to feel like “Baby.” I admired the courage “Baby” has in the movie. She stands by her feelings and fights for them against her father and society. I had worked hard for many years to find my way and with watching Dirty Dancing again and again (last spring) my change in this part began. I had to become forty-one years old to tell my parents my point of view—not accepting bad compromises. And now I feel comfortable with my decision.
I rediscovered my love for dancing. I loved dancing so much since I was a teenager until I was about twenty-five years old. After this time, I was very interested in martial arts, qigong, and taiji. My love for dancing had taken a back seat. I graduated trainings as a qigong teacher and women’s self-defense teacher. I worked freelance in both areas besides my main job in an office. But ten years later, I stopped teaching qigong and women’s self-defense because I did not know if it really was the way I want to go. Afterwards, I only practiced taiji for myself. And after some years, DD came again into my life and inspired me to find my own way of dancing. I always wanted to do partner dancing, but most of the time I had no partner. Now I want to find my way of single dancing. I’d like to express my feelings in dancing. I’d like to get in touch with my body in a completely new way. I’d like to become fit and flexible in my movements and to find my own rhythm. And perhaps I’d like to teach my kind of dancing one day.
What do you think of a Dirty Dancing movie sequel being made?
Do you think it could be successful?
For me, the Dirty Dancing movie with Patrick is the only one. I think it was such a piece of luck … this story, with this music and these actors.
Additional Demographic Information
Marital status: Single
Education: O-level (in German “Mittlere Reife”)
Profession: I’m a banker … [and] nine years working in the social area as an administrator, Freelance qigong teacher
Official Patrick Swayze International Fan Club member: Yes, since 2007
FLABIA PENNELLA
AGE 41. Lives La Plata, Argentina.
July 2008 (e-mail interview).
Has seen Dirty Dancing countless times.
What year did you first see Dirty Dancing? How old were you?
Did someone tell you about the movie or did you just happen to hear about it? Did you initially watch it by yourself or with someone else?
I first saw the movie in 1990. I was twenty-three. I saw the movie by mistake, because I wanted to see a dance movie from Central America called Baile Caliente (hot dancing). I was convinced that DD was that movie, but to my surprise, I was so moved by DD that I saw it twice in a day. I was with one of my cousins. Both of us fell in love with Patrick that very moment.
Why do you like Dirty Dancing so much?
I loved the film so much for many reasons. The story was true to life. I love the kind of men that have the guts to fight for love. In such a controversial and material world, the role of love is worth being mentioned. Patrick’s acting was perfect as well as the rest of the cast, and the music—a great variety of it was really well selected.
How has Dirty Dancing impacted you personally?
On the questionnaire #3, you checked off, “has given hope that love exists,” and “has given hope that people will do the right thing.” Anything more you want to say about the above?
Dirty Dancing has impacted me personally because of the topic itself. The fact that you have to fight for your feelings and beliefs.
In addition to Dirty Dancing, how many movies have you seen multiple times? And is Patrick in them?
Since Dirty Dancing, I’ve seen all Patrick’s movies, thousands of times. I can recite them all.
Have you ever met Patrick or anyone else in the cast? If so, what was that like?
Unluckily, I have never met him. That was my dream, but it has never come true.
Will you continue to watch Dirty Dancing?
I still love watching it. I also bought the CD with the music.
What do you think about the movie being made into a stage production?
I think it would be great.
Do you think a sequel could be made (Dirty Dancing 2)?
I think a sequel could have been made with Patrick. I don’t know if there’s anyone who can replace him or take his role. If so, he must be and do an excellent work to succeed.
Is Dirty Dancing very popular in Argentina?
From my view point, Dirty Dancing became much more popular in my country in the mid-90s. I believe Ghost was much more popular, but perhaps because of the topic it deals with. Since Patrick got ill, there
have been specials on TV Sunday afternoons where you can enjoy all his movies, including DD.
Anything else you want to say about Dirty Dancing?
It’s a great movie. All the people involved in it must feel pride and inner emotions. Twenty years is a long period of time, and if the movie is still on, it must have been a really good one.
Additional Demographic Information
Marital status: Divorced
Education: Complete education
Occupation: English teacher in La Plata, Argentina
Official Patrick Swayze International Fan Club member: No
KARI THOMPSON
AGE 51. Lives in Idaho.
May 2009 (e-mail interview).
Has seen Dirty Dancing 16–50 times.
What year did you first see Dirty Dancing? How old were you? Did someone tell you about the movie or you just happened to hear about it? Did you initially watch it by yourself or with someone else?
Honestly, I don’t remember the year. We went to the theater to see it and I was amazed at the incredible talent of Patrick Swayze. I wanted to be his partner! He was sexy but kind, in an innocent way. I went home and danced for hours. I bought the soundtrack when it came out and have worn out three! My entire family went to see the movie. Even my father loved it.
Why do you like Dirty Dancing so much?
It teaches that we need to not judge someone based on their looks or attitude. “Bad boys” aren’t really bad. It’s a mask they wear. A sort of protection, if you will. If you get beyond the facade, you will find sincerity, compassion and also many hard knocks. People can rise above their circumstances and they can change their stars.
The love and gentleness that is shown to Baby is endearing.
How has Dirty Dancing impacted you personally?
Include any of these, if applicable:
“has provided relief in a difficult time” (not applicable)
“has given hope that love exists” *(applicable)
“has been an emotional catharsis” (not applicable)
“has given hope that people will do the right thing” *(applicable)
Please tell me what about your involvement with dance.
Please elaborate on how Patrick Swayze inspired you.
Dirty Dancing inspired me to take lessons. I wanted to be more free in movement and not so blocked in certain steps. Dirty Dancing and Patrick Swayze inspired me to be free in my dancing and to let go of fears. Through Patrick, I have been more confident in myself and have enjoyed the beauty of dance in all forms.
My husband and I have taken dance lessons and we are into ballroom, salsa, and of course, dirty dancing. Most of the students are 30+ single moms.
I had taken ballroom in high school and did well, especially with swing. Michael (my husband) and I chose to take lessons together after Dirty Dancing. Michael had been dancing for many years when I met him. We met on a blind date. He was in an original dinner theater production, Not the Count of Monte Cristo in Arizona. He danced and sang. I had just come from Hawaii and had been doing disco there. We blended our dancing together and took lessons.
Please tell me how Dirty Dancing/Patrick Swayze inspired an at-risk teen to dance.
My husband and I were guardians of a fourteen year old girl who came to us from an unstable and emotionally abusive home. The first night here she wanted to watch Dirty Dancing. We put it on and she sat transfixed. After the movie, we took the soundtrack and played it. She began dancing like Baby. It was amazing to see her so comfortable and feeling sure of herself.
During her stay with us we would let her “dirty dance.” She watched the movie at least fifteen times while here and got better and better with her dancing. She is now in dance class that we are paying for and she has gone from D’s and F’s to B’s. She feels better about herself and seems to be moving in a good direction in her life. Perhaps some day she will use her dancing talents to find her dream, and perhaps she will be able to inspire others like the movie inspired her. She is still watching Dirty Dancing every week.
She looks at boys and compares them to Patrick Swayze. He is the “model of a real man” in her opinion. I have to agree. They broke the mold when he was made.
In addition to Dirty Dancing, are there movies that you have you seen multiple times? If so, is Patrick in them? And how many have you seen multiple times?
Road House, seen it at least fifteen times.
Ghost, I have seen at least one hundred times!
We have also watched Ever After over fifty times!
Willow at least twenty.
Chicago, dozens of times.
Have you ever met Patrick Swayze or anyone from the cast? If so, what was it like?
No, we have not had the honor of meeting him or anyone from the cast.
In 1993, my husband took master classes from Patsy Swayze (Patrick’s mom) at her dance studio. She was fantastic. He said it was awe-inspiring to dance where someone like Patrick Swayze had learned. The energy there was awesome. He also attended another master class at the studio hosted by ABT.
Will you continue to watch Dirty Dancing?
Yes, at least three to four times a year, if not more.
What do you think about Dirty Dancing, the movie being made into the stage production, and do you plan to see the stage production?
It will be hard for anyone to be like Patrick. However, Adam Lambert would be fantastic in the role.
Yes, we would go see it, definitely.
Do you think a movie sequel could be made?
NO. Don’t mess with perfection.
Is there anything else you want to say about Dirty Dancing?
The movie gives a person the feeling that you can be anything you want to be. You don’t have to be locked into a stereotype. There is so much out there to enjoy and experience if we allow ourselves the opportunity to be free. Everyone should be able to “dance” and be “like the wind.”
Additional Demographic Information
Marital status: Married
Education: Grad School
Occupation/Profession: Writer and animal rescuer
Official Patrick Swayze International Fan Club member: Since 1995
CRYSTAL L. BERGER
Age 53.
Lives in Birch Bay, Washington.
January 2008 (e-mail and telephone interviews).
July 2008 (e-mail interview).
Has seen Dirty Dancing 51–100 times.
When did you first see Dirty Dancing?
Summer of 1989.
So Dirty Dancing wasn’t the first movie you saw Patrick in?
Yes, it was.
Why do you like Dirty Dancing so much?
I fell in love with Patrick’s voice. I had heard the song “She’s Like The Wind” in London playing everywhere. My neighbor told me about the movie. I rented DD and fell in love with the whole movie.
I remember the era. I was too young to be part of it so Dirty Dancing let me live vicariously. It is an age before our world view became more cynical. It resonates with me.
Dirty Dancing lets me get away from life’s problems and takes me to a place that I feel safe. I fell in love with the entire cast. Baby, Johnny, the dancers—the casting was perfect.
It has been a lovely friend through many years.
How has Dirty Dancing impacted you personally?
It helped me through my cancer treatment. I mentioned that I loved Dirty Dancing and the nurses related to it. They knew what I was talking about without any explanation. (Interestingly, the nurses were twenty years younger than me.) They played the music for me. They talked about how wonderful Patrick was in this movie. We could go somewhere else besides the radiation room during my treatments. It was something positive in a difficult situation.
It kept me from moping and dwelling on things.
In addition to Dirty Dancing, how many movies have you seen multiple times? And is Patrick in them?
I haven’t watched any other movie multiple tim
es. DD is like a nice cup of tea and a good book on a rainy day.
Have you ever met Patrick or anyone else from the cast?
I met Patrick in Houston (2003) when One Last Dance was premiered. He was very gracious.
In Houston, did you get a chance to tell Patrick about Dirty Dancing helping you with your cancer treatment?
No, cancer was after Houston (January 13, 2004–2005).
I will always be grateful to Patrick Swayze and DD for helping me through this cancer. It is odd, I found the lump in my breast in LA the night two friends and I were going to see Patrick in Chicago. So I guess the Swayze will always be part of me so to speak.
Will you continue to watch Dirty Dancing?
Yes. It is a lovely movie and I never tire of watching it. I don’t watch too often, but at least once a year I will pull it out and sit down and enjoy it all over again.
Does your husband watch Dirty Dancing with you?
My husband will watch it about every three years. LOL!
He loves Ghost. It’s one of his favorite movies. He will sit down anytime to watch Ghost with me.
What do you think about Dirty Dancing, the movie being made into Dirty Dancing, the stage musical? Do you plan on seeing the Dirty Dancing stage musical?
To me, Dirty Dancing is Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey, and the rest of the wonderful cast. They brought a special magic to the roles that can’t be duplicated. It was a special moment caught on film. There will only be one Rhett Butler and only one Johnny Castle. I don’t plan on seeing the stage production. I watch the movie when I need some charmed time, a little bit of sweetness.
What do you think about a Dirty Dancing movie sequel?
I don’t think I would like to see a sequel—simply because Dirty Dancing caught a magic moment that can’t be repeated. I wish they could but I don’t think so. I guess I am the only one that wants them to just leave Dirty Dancing be the way it is. You can’t catch lightning in a bottle more than once. But I hope he proves me wrong!!!!