'Dirty Dancing' and so much more taught at Swayze dance studio
By Avi Rutschman avi@theacorn.com

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers SWAYIN' WITH SWAYZE- From left, Natalie Macdonald, 15, of Simi Valley, Ariana Rogers, 17, of Moorpark, Amber Schumann, 17, of Simi, Lauren Golding, 11, of Simi, and Jessica Kuge, 17, of Moorpark, leap into the air and twirl about during a routine at Patsy Swayze's dance studio in Simi Valley on Wednesday.

To those Simi Valley residents who have yet to fulfill their dream of dancing with the stars, the next best thing is available: dancing with the star's mom.

For the past 20 years, locals have been learning the art of dance under the tutelage of Patsy Swayze, mother of Patrick Swayze, at The Dancer's Studio in Simi Valley.

Lessons are offered for all ages and in styles that include classical ballet, American jazz, tap and ballroom.

We teach all kinds of dance forms," Swayze said.

Swayze, who originally hails from Houston, Texas, was introduced to dance as a little girl because of an accident.

"When I was a child, I was hit by a car, and my mother enrolled me in dance classes to help with the rehabilitation and to get back my strength," she said.

Accompanied by a strong interest in theater, musical comedy and stage work, what began as exercise quickly blossomed into a prolific career. Over the years, Swayze has starred in a number of productions and has choreographed more than 20 films, including "Urban Cowboy" and "One Last Dance."

In addition to her choreography credits, Swayze taught the art of dance to all five of her children, including Patrick, the star of 1987's romantic blockbuster "Dirty Dancing."

Prior to moving to California, Patsy Swayze founded and directed the Houston JazzBallet Company and taught at the University of Houston for 18 years.

For Swayze, whose favorite form is classical ballet, dance is an art with numerous benefits.

"Aside from the total physical exercise, it's an appreciation of good music, and being in California, it helps people with auditions, movie work and stage work," she said.

Students at her studio average two to three lessons a week, and dues typically run around $80 a month.

With 63 years of experience as an instructor, Swayze has seen the dance community and the degree of dedication among students undergo considerable change.

"We don't have as many men or boys dancing as there used to be, and the kids that do dance these days aren't very consistent. In the South, kids were registered at a young age and were very dedicated, but today you have kids with so many diversified activities that they miss a lot of class. Theater and dance require a lot of concentration, and if you're doing too much, you're going to end up not too good at any of it," Swayze said.

Those interested in learning more about dance classes can contact The Dancer's Studio, 1788 E. Los Angeles Ave., (805) 583-3216.