THE FANS' LOVE STORY: How The Movie 'DIRTY DANCING' Captured The Hearts Of Millions! Read online

  The opinions expressed in this manuscript are solely the opinions of the author and do not represent the opinions or thoughts of the publisher.

  THE FANS’ LOVE STORY

  How The Movie ‘DIRTY DANCING’ Captured The Hearts Of Millions!

  All Rights Reserved.

  Copyright © 2010 Sue Tabashnik

  v4.0

  Cover images © 2010 JupiterImages Corporation. All rights reserved – used with permission.

  This book is an independent publication and is not associated with or authorized or approved by Lionsgate, Eleanor Bergstein, Patrick Swayze or any other person/entity associated with the movie, Dirty Dancing. All references in this book to the movie are for the purpose of commentary, analysis, and literary discussion only.

  Furthermore, this book is not associated with or authorized by or approved by Lisa Niemi or The Patrick Swayze Pancreas Cancer Research Fund at the Stanford Cancer Center. The decision to donate a portion of the proceeds to the above fund is strictly the author’s idea and wish.

  The views and opinions expressed by the interviewees and other third party sources in this book are not necessarily those of the author, and the author accepts no responsibility for inaccuracies or omissions by interviewees or other third party sources.

  COPYRIGHT PERMISSIONS

  I gratefully thank these sources for giving permission to use their material.

  Copyright © 2008 Broadwayfanclub.com. “Dirty Dancing: A Legendary Story on National Tour.” The Broadway League. August 2008 Newsletter.

  Copyright © 2009 Jewish Journal. “‘Dirty Dancing’ Comes Alive on Stage.” Rick Schultz. May 20, 2009.

  Copyright © 2008 Chicago Tribune. “‘Dirty Dancing’ creator keeps the legend alive.” Sid Smith. September 28, 2008.

  Copyright © 2005 Globe Newspaper Company. “Stay’in Alive.” Mark Shanahan. The Boston Globe. September 29, 2005.

  Copyright © 1988 ABC. Barbara Walters Special Interview.

  Copyright © 2006 Whatsonstage.com. “Photos: Swayze & Sweeney Ready to Play in Dolls.” Terri Paddock. June 5, 2006.

  Copyright © 2008 FemaleFirst.co.uk. “Miranda Garrison talks Dirty Dancing.” September 2, 2008.

  Copyright © 2006 Guardian News & Media. “Patrick Swayze on ‘Dirty Dancing.’” Telegraph.co.uk. September 23, 2006.

  Copyright © 1988 Times Herald-Record. “Film thrills Horner.” August 18, 1987.

  Copyright © “Biographical Sketch—Jackie Horner.” Jackie Horner.

  Copyright © 2006 Guardian News & Media. “There’s a secret dancer inside us all.” Veronica Lee. Telegraph.co.uk. September 26, 2006.

  Copyright © 2009 Mountain Lake Hotel. Mountainlakehotel.com.

  Copyright © 2008 Chicago Tribune. “Swayze feels at home in Chicago.” Robert K. Elder. November 18, 2009.

  Copyright © 1988 Detroit Free Press. “Movie makes her do the mambo, not the munch-o.” Neal Rubin. January 7, 1988.

  Copyright © 2003 Arts Houston Magazine. “One Last Dance.” Patrick Swayze. April 2003.

  This book may not be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in whole or in part by any means, including graphic, electronic, or mechanical without the express written consent of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  Outskirts Press, Inc.

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  ISBN: 978-1-4327-5110-4

  Outskirts Press and the “OP” logo are trademarks belonging to Outskirts Press, Inc.

  PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

  To Mr. Patrick Swayze—who plays a hero in Dirty Dancing and who has been and will always be a hero in real life to me and to millions of people all over the world.

  I have special gratitude to you for being such an inspiration—for how you lived your life, full of zest—and for the messages that you communicated by your artistry, actions, and words: to follow dreams, to partake in the arts, to “rock ’n roll,” and “spread the love.” I really appreciate the devotion that you showed to your fans for years. You and Ms. Lisa Niemi have been an amazing example of dedication and love to the arts, and most important, dedication and love to each other and your families.

  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continual “re-discovery of innocence” and for inspiring the same in me.

  Your battle with pancreatic cancer counted and will never be forgotten. We will carry on the fight.

  You have been and always will be a big, big bright light in my life that is an anchor for decency, humanness, spirit, and compassion.

  Contents

  INTRODUCTION

  One MY CONNECTION TO DIRTY DANCING AND WHY I THINK IT CONTINUES TO GO ON AND ON

  Two THE “REAL” CATSKILLS PEOPLE

  Introduction

  Interview of Jackie Horner, Consultant to Dirty Dancing

  Interview of Steve Schwartz, Dancer

  Wrap up of Interviews of Jackie Horner and Steve Schwartz

  Three MOUNTAIN LAKE HOTEL

  Introduction

  Mountain Lake Hotel Location Information

  Interview of Buzz Scanland, General Manager

  Interview of Mike Porterfield, Executive Chef

  Mountain Lake Patrick Swayze Memorial Weekend

  Mountain Lake Guest List

  Mountain Lake Hotel Registry

  Open Call

  Four OTHER FILM LOCATIONS

  Lake Lure Inn

  Rumbling Bald Resort

  Interview of Gary Wilson, Head of Security at Rumbling Bald Resort

  Five INTERVIEWS OF THE FANS

  Elly Ali

  Helena Damigou

  Clare Gregan

  Lelia Bako

  Simone Gradl

  Angela Grubb

  Roy Helton

  Becky Williams

  Kelly Miner

  Barbara Schiebl

  Flabia Pennella

  Kari Thompson

  Crystal L. Berger

  Debbie Wallerstein

  Cheryl Dubuque

  Callie and David Van Kleeck

  Mallory Longworth

  Barbara Phipps

  Evelyn Serian

  Doreen Height

  Roberta Teska

  Six SUMMARY OF THE FAN INTERVIEWS

  Seven DIRTY DANCING FOLKLORE & TIDBITS

  Eight SUE’S DIRTY DANCING QUESTIONNAIRE

  Sample Questionnaire

  Questionnaire Results

  Nine CLOSING

  CANCER ORGANIZATIONS

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  BIBLIOGRAPHY

  INTRODUCTION

  When I first started writing an article about Dirty Dancing in 2006, I never dreamed that it would turn into a book. I just knew that the movie had deeply resonated with me and that the 20th anniversary of the movie was coming up in 2007. I wanted to shout out to the world about this unbelievably wonderful movie, to honor this movie and the people who made it. Also, perhaps there was a bit of the social worker in me that wanted to explore the wonderful phenomenon of this 1987 movie. Why was Dirty Dancing still capturing, with no sign of slowing down, the hearts of people all over the world—including mine? Furthermore, maybe in my search, I would validate my attachment to the movie.

  After completing the article, I made the jump into writing the book. I was rather naive about what it takes to write and publish a book. I must say that I ran into many roadblocks regarding writing an independent book focused on a movie. During this time period, unexpected and very stressful eve
nts occurred, as five important people in my life had life-threatening health crises. Two of these key people died within three weeks of each other—Ms. Lee Santiwan, my mentor, and Mr. Patrick Swayze. (In terms of time frame, just six days before Mr. Swayze passed, this manuscript was accepted for publishing.)

  In the past two years or so, I persisted in completing the book with support and encouragement from many, many people. I derived a great deal of inspiration from Mr. Patrick Swayze—by his amazing spirit, tenacity, and dignity in his battle against pancreatic cancer—and from Ms. Lee Santiwan—by her wisdom, amazing support, and lesson in dealing with illness with dignity. I will be forever grateful to both of them.

  With all of that said, I would not trade this journey for the world. I met amazing people, ages seventeen to eighty-three—from four continents and all different walks of life—who were also totally enthralled with the movie and were open in sharing their connections to the movie. Each person had his or her own unique alliance to the movie, along with sharing in some universal linkages. By hearing each person’s journey, I satisfied my desire to explore the Dirty Dancing phenomenon in the world and within me, and came away with a renewed sense of faith in the spirit of man-womankind.

  In transitioning from the article to the book, my first step was creating an online survey that was posted on the Internet by Mrs. Margaret Howden in November 2007, from which I received 186 responses by August 2008. I interviewed twenty-two people in-person, by telephone, or via e-mail—or by some combination of these modalities. I chose fifteen of the twenty-two fan interviewees from the people who answered the survey and seven via other ways—from referrals and known Dirty Dancing fans.

  I journeyed to Mountain Lake Hotel in Pembroke, Virginia—one of the two major film locations—in January 2009, and had the amazing experience of being there first-hand to see, feel, and learn about this Dirty Dancing historical site. I had the absolute good fortune to have Mr. H. M. “Buzz” Scanland Jr., General Manager—who was present during the filming of the movie—show me around and impart to me a wealth of information, verbal and written (including access to archives on the movie). I then had the wonderful opportunity to telephone interview two other people who were present during the filming—Mr. Mike Porterfield, Executive Chef at Mountain Lake Hotel, and Mr. Gary Wilson, Head of Security at Rumbling Bald Resort, the film location for the golf course scene.

  I had the absolute pleasure to correspond by writing and telephone with Ms. Jackie Horner. She served as a consultant to the filmmakers (see “special thanks to Jackie Horner” on the screen credits) as she was the dance pro at Grossinger’s in the Catskills from 1954 to 1986. She has led an amazing, legendary career in the entertainment business and is still going strong. Finally, I had the wonderful, fascinating experience of interviewing Mr. Steve Schwartz by telephone regarding his years as a dancer in the Catskills—including being the dance partner of Ms. Horner at Grossinger’s. Ms. Horner refers to Mr. Schwartz as being the person whom the character “Johnny” is based on.

  Even with the passing of Mr. Patrick Swayze, I would encourage you to sit back, relax, reminisce, and indulge yourself during this Dirty Dancing trip because what a great way to honor a man who loved and lived life to its fullest and did a phenomenal job in portraying the character of Johnny.

  One

  MY CONNECTION TO DIRTY DANCING AND WHY I THINK IT CONTINUES TO GO ON AND ON

  “That was the summer of 1987,” and I followed my usual weekend passion of going to a movie. Little did I know how much watching this particular movie would change my life. The movie happened to be Dirty Dancing. Need I say more? I confess that I was one of “those women” who saw the movie multiple times. Yes, I became a member of the “100 club.” At that “time of my life,” I had recently gone through a very difficult break-up with the man that I thought was my soul mate. Watching this movie not only provided a very nice escape, but also seemed to impart that all again would be right in the world—that true love could exist against tremendous odds. I came to the conclusion that watching this movie was very soothing, even better than reading self-help books, and in a way just as good as counseling. The story was great, the music was fantastic, and the dancing was powerful. Finally, there was this sizzling, passionate actor/dancer by the name of Mr. Patrick Swayze, who played the lead heartthrob (the “Nobody puts Baby in a corner” guy). I was hooked into becoming a huge fan of Mr. Swayze. The more I watched his work, heard him give interviews, and read about him, the bigger my connection became to him.

  After one contact with a fan club in 1987 (I received an autographed picture of Mr. Swayze), the years went by with me still being an avid fan. While searching the Internet in 2000, I struck gold, and found an active fan club—The Official Patrick Swayze International Fan Club—and big surprise, I joined! I really didn’t have any idea what to expect. Was I living out some adolescent fantasy by joining? What the heck! The dues were reasonable, and I would be receiving quarterly magazines and pictures—and hopefully could learn more about Mr. Swayze. After all, I didn’t have to tell anybody that I was a member. I had never contemplated contacting a Hollywood star before, and I had certainly never pictured myself belonging to a fan club. Was I now a groupie? I had a picture in my mind of Elvis fans swooning at Graceland and of hysterical women following stars around the country. After mailing in my dues, I had an immediate response from the club president, Mrs. Margaret Howden from Scotland, and felt welcomed into this group. Soon, I could see that this was serious business, and that there were others who had “this thing” for Mr. Swayze. Maybe I wasn’t losing my marbles after all.

  Actually, as it has turned out, I have enjoyed many different activities through the fan club. I met Mr. Swayze four times—and had the opportunity to hold conversations with him individually and as part of a group. I met him at two dance benefits for the extraordinary dance company Complexions Contemporary Ballet—right here in Detroit—in 2002 and then again in 2004. I also met Mr. Swayze and Ms. Niemi at two film festivals—WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival in 2003 and Nashville Film Festival in 2004—that were showing their magnificent dance movie, One Last Dance. Their accessibility to us fans at both of the film festivals was really amazing. Then, in 2005, I had the opportunity to call in a question to Mr. Swayze on The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch CNBC television show.

  Throughout the years, I have had the good fortune to make some long-lasting, great friendships with some of the other fans in the club. I have also been able to develop my writing skills and use my creativity by writing twelve articles that were published in the fan club magazine. Finally, it has been very special and wonderful to be part of a community supporting someone who was not only enormously talented as an actor, dancer, singer, song writer, producer, and choreographer, but who was also about traditional values, family, a solid work ethic, integrity, spirituality, passion, and activities (such as advocating for the arts, conservation, and cancer research) to make the world a better place. And I need to mention how Mr. Swayze loved animals, especially Arabian horses, and his support to The Arabian Horse Association.

  As mentioned in the Introduction, I started writing this book in 2007, long before Mr. Swayze was diagnosed with cancer. It was absolutely heartbreaking and devastating to find out about Mr. Swayze’s Stage IV pancreatic cancer diagnosis. As part of the community supporting him prior to the cancer diagnosis and after the diagnosis, I have always considered it to be a privilege. I was and will continue to be amazed and inspired by him—by his wonderful spirit and heroic battle for life.

  I have read Mr. Swayze’s guestbook since becoming a fan club member in 2000, and read it more closely and more often following Mr. Swayze’s cancer diagnosis. I can tell you that there are thousands and thousands of messages that were sent to him from fans of all ages (five and up) and from all over the world, telling how much they love Dirty Dancing and what a special part Dirty Dancing has played and will continue to play in their lives.

  In ad
dition, Dirty Dancing has scored very high in numerous polls and surveys. In February 2008, the Daily Mail in the United Kingdom reported that Dirty Dancing has the number one most romantic quote ever: Baby saying, “I’m scared of walking out of this room and never feeling for the rest of my whole life the way I feel when I am with you.” Also, the Daily Mail printed a story on May 6, 2007 that listed Dirty Dancing as the number-one movie that women watch. In July 2005, The Scotsman ran a story that reported the water lift scene was voted number one as the most favorite scene of all time in a poll answered by almost 1,200 people. In February 2008, per ananova.com, an online DVD rental delivery service, LOVEFILM.com listed Dirty Dancing as the second best feel-good movie. Per an E! Entertainment Television 2007 poll of industry executives and celebrities, Dirty Dancing was named as one of the Top Ten Date movies of all time. In 2004, around 200,000 people in the United Kingdom voted out of 100 movies, Dirty Dancing, as their favorite movie per ITV. In May 2009, Dirty Dancing won as Britain’s favorite film in an online poll conducted by the Cinema Advertising Association. Finally, there are three other fun examples of the continuing popularity of Dirty Dancing that I just cannot leave out. In a February 21, 2008 survey done by UK Cinema Industry for the ‘‘best movie couple,” Ms. Grey and Mr. Swayze came in third place. Among female voters, Dirty Dancing took second place (lost to Ghost) in the best screen kiss poll conducted in the UK by Denplan in honor of the 13th annual National Kissing Day in July 2008. In a 2009 Valentine’s Day poll done by HMV, Ghost was number one for the best love film, and Dirty Dancing placed second.

  The stage version of Dirty Dancing, written by Ms. Eleanor Bergstein, the writer/co-producer of the movie, has been a brilliant success in Australia (the world premiere was in Sydney in 2004), New Zealand, Germany, and London’s West End. In November 2007, the stage show opened in Toronto—with 1.65 million in first-day ticket sales. Next, the production opened in the Netherlands and then in the United States—first stop was Chicago (September 28, 2008), then Boston (February 8, 2009), and finally Los Angeles (April 28, 2009). There is speculation that the next US stop will be Broadway, and by the time that you are reading this book, maybe that will have occurred.