February 7: Today in Dance

Born Today: Patsy Swayze

Patsy Swayze (1927–2013), mother of dancer/actor Patrick Swayze (1952–2009) began studying dance for therapy after being hit by a car. She studied ballet and jazz and later founded the Houston Jazz Ballet Company and taught classes at her self-named dance studio. Besides her son, she taught Debbie Allen (1950-), Jaclyn Smith, and Tommy Tune (1939-). In 1980 she choreographed Urban Cowboy, starring John Travolta (1954-) and went on to choreograph several other films.

Also Born Today: Dancer/choreographer and composer Gasparo Angiolini (1731–1803) sought to combine theatrical elements into a pantomime-ballet and who challenged the claim that Jean-George Noverre (1727–1810) solely created the ballet d’action, dance performance using pantomime and — expressive gesture that negated the need for dialogue.

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Check out more about dance at: https://www.dawndavisloring.com/todayindance

Dawn Davis Loring is delighted to announce the publication of her first book on dance: Dance Appreciation, co-authored by Julie L. Pentz. Available from Human Kinetics and on Amazon and other booksellers.

Open Mind, Insert Dance