THE FANS' LOVE STORY: How The Movie 'DIRTY DANCING' Captured The Hearts Of Millions!
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It started on August 5th Saturday 2006. I was going to London with my mother and stepfather to watch the West End production of Guys and Dolls that Patrick was starring in. I’d seen the advertisement on his website and knew that was my chance of making that little girl’s dream come true. So, I booked the ticket and we set off from Preston Lancashire to London. As soon as he came on stage, I was totally amazed, shocked, couldn’t believe he was there a few feet away from me. The show was amazing but that wasn’t enough. After the show, we raced round to the stage door where we waited for an hour and there he was standing right in front of me talking to the crowd, all to be over too soon, and I never got my chance to say a few words to him face-to-face. Heading back to Lancashire, I was still in shock that I’d seen the man I had idolized for the last nineteen years, but I still wasn’t satisfied. So, I went back, with my friend. I drove all the way back—the 300 miles, got there early to the stage door to wait for Patrick to arrive, but he was held up in a traffic jam on the way to the theatre. I was informed by his bodyguard that he would be rushing back to go on stage, so we had to go and take our places inside, but he would get Patrick to sign my program for me.
Inside we watched the show and came out early before it finished, to get back to the stage door to get my front row position to see Patrick—when he came out to chat to the crowd, as he did after every production. Once again, I was talking to the bodyguard. He was very friendly and agreed to get my book signed by the man himself.
Patrick again came out to talk to the crowd and I was standing at the front. I waved my hand in his direction and he came over and shook my hand. He spoke to me—asked my name. Amazing! I had done it. Patrick then went back through the gates and people were starting to leave. I stood there with my friend upset that the bodyguard had not done as he’d said and gotten my program signed. So upset and deciding where to go next, his bodyguard came over to me, and said he needed a word with me. I was so very worried as to what maybe I had done wrong. I stepped forward to be taken through the electric gates to the stage door. As they opened—standing right in front of me was Patrick Swayze—looking right back at me, Clare Gregan, the girl with a dream from nineteen years ago … So you see, dreams really do come true.
That is just an insight into my story. I went on to date Patrick’s bodyguard, met Patrick, and spent time and shared several more occasions with himself and his lovely wife, Lisa and cast and crew of the production.
I wanted to tell my story. As silly as it is probably to some people, that was my dream, and I had made a promise that one day I would meet my idol … Although it didn’t take me to America that time to hunt him down (guess he saved me a flight fare), I got there in the end, and that was the best three months of my life.
It all started back one rainy Saturday afternoon with a six year old girl. And now my four year old little boy is amazed by the film. He knows all of the words to “(I’ve Had) the Time of My Life” and is planning on following in Patrick’s footsteps. The film means so much to some people.
I hope you don’t mind me sharing my dream with you …
Will you continue to watch Dirty Dancing?
With my little boy now taking over my obsession with the film, having me do the last dance routine with him in my front room, I think I’ll be watching the film for some years to come yet!
What do you think about Dirty Dancing, the movie being made into a stage production, and do you plan on seeing the stage production?
Honestly, I think it was more money making than anything … I also feel that you cannot make such a fantastic film into a stage production and get from it so much like you do from the film. Therefore, I would not choose to go and watch the live performance.
Do you think a sequel could be made?
I think the film should remain as a one and only. People have their own view as to how Johnny and Baby went on from “The Last Dance.” The film was a heartfelt and general feel-good factor. I think a second would only ruin the memory of Dirty Dancing. Sequels are never good and with such a special film that put Patrick on the front line internationally, I think it would be disrespectful, and with only a slight few of the original cast alive, I just couldn’t see it working.
Additional Demographic Information
Marital status: With partner
Education: Graduated from Wellfield High, England, July 1998
Occupation/profession: Personnel Administrator
Official Patrick Swayze International Fan Club member: Joined in 2005
LELIA BAKO
Age 30. Lives in Resita, Romania.
March 2008 (e-mail interview).
Has seen Dirty Dancing 2–15 times.
What year did you first see Dirty Dancing, and how old were you?
First time I was sixteen years old. Now I have thirty years.
Why do you like Dirty Dancing so much?
I love the music, the actors … [since] the first time, I like Patrick and I think he is just great, a big actor.
How has Dirty Dancing impacted you personally?
When I first see this movie, my dream was to learn to dance.
In addition to Dirty Dancing, how many movies have you seen multiple times? If there are movies that you have seen multiple times, is Patrick in them?
Another film that moves me is Titanic.
Have you ever met Patrick or anyone else from the cast?
No, and I regret this.
Will you continue to watch Dirty Dancing?
Yes, I love this movie and when I am feeling lonely, I just love to stay in bed and enjoy this wonderful film.
What do you think about Dirty Dancing, the movie being made into the stage production? Do you plan to see the stage production?
I think this is a great idea. Yes, I hope to see this stage production.
Do you think Dirty Dancing is popular with many people in Romania?
Yes, it is very popular, especially between females of 20–50 years.
Additional Demographic Information
Education: College
Occupation/profession: Middle management
Official Patrick Swayze International Fan Club member: No
SIMONE GRADL
Age 32. Lives in Amberg, Germany.
April 2008 (e-mail interview).
Has seen Dirty Dancing 101–500 times.
What year did you first see Dirty Dancing, and how old were you?
1988. Twelve years old.
Why do you like Dirty Dancing so much?
… With the film everything [goes together]. The music, dances, actor[s], history.
How has Dirty Dancing impacted you personally? On the questionnaire, you checked off, “has given hope that love exists and people will do the right thing,” and “has provided relief in a difficult time. “Anything else you would like to say about this?
Applies exactly to me.
In addition to Dirty Dancing, how many movies have you seen multiple times? And is Patrick in them?
Have One Last Dance, Ghost, North and South, Icon and have watched many times. I love all films of Patrick.
Have you ever met Patrick or anyone else from the cast?
Met Patrick and Lisa on 29 July, 2006 in London [when Patrick was in Guys and Dolls].
Will you continue to watch Dirty Dancing?
One can never get enough of the film.
What do you think about Dirty Dancing, the movie being made into the stage production? Do you plan to see the stage production?
I find it beautiful that the film will be on stage.
Do you think Dirty Dancing is very popular in Germany?
I think Dirty Dancing is popular in Germany.
I find it sad that the twenty year anniversary was so largely celebrated [in the]US.
Anything else you want to say about Dirty Dancing?
Dirty Dancing is part of my life.
Additional Demographic Information
Marital status: Live [s] with boyfriend
> Education: Hauswirtschaftlerin
Occupation/profession: Work [s] in hospital kitchen
Official Patrick Swayze International Fan Club member: Joined September 1998
ANGELA GRUBB
AGE 34. Lives in Sumter, South Carolina.
April 2008 (e-mail and telephone interviews).
Has seen Dirty Dancing over 500 times.
What year did you first see Dirty Dancing? And how old were you?
I saw Dirty Dancing in 1987. I was fourteen years old.
Why do you like Dirty Dancing so much?
Where do I start? The main reason being Patrick starred in it. The coming of age story was fantastic and very believable. It made me think that maybe I could have something like that when I got little older. I also loved the dancing! I can’t dance that way, but I would love for Patrick to teach me. LOL.
How has Dirty Dancing impacted you personally? I know that you made some wonderful comments on the questionnaire.
Watching Dirty Dancing gave me an “escape” from life as I was growing up. I had a difficult childhood and when I would turn on the VCR, I instantly stepped into Johnny & Baby’s world. It kept me together.
I was wondering if there was anything else that you wanted to add or re-iterate, and why was it Dirty Dancing that you chose?
I was already in love with Patrick “The Actor” because of his role as “Orry Maine” in North and South, Love and War. I was excited to see him in a new movie. Then when I watched it for the first time, I just got lost in the love story. I loved how Patrick and Jennifer danced.
Going back to what I touched on in my questionnaire, I felt so alone and for some reason when I watched Dirty Dancing, it made me feel better. I guess I was grasping for the fact that some day that could be me, when I found my first true love. I had lots of bad days so I wound up watching DD several times a week, to almost daily at times. I used to be able to tell you exactly where certain scenes were using the counter on the VCR. My best friend, Amy and I would watch DD and imitate the dances. We knew word for word a lot of the scenes. It seems silly to say that a movie made that much of an impact on me and my life, but it truly did. What is amazing is that it wasn’t just me who fell in love with the story.
In addition to Dirty Dancing, how many movies have you seen multiple times? And is Patrick in them?
Let’s see … The ones with Patrick that I can think of off the top of my head are: Road House, Ghost, City of Joy, North and South, Love and War, Point Break, Red Dawn. I have seen all of Patrick’s movies, and many multiple times, but not as many times as Dirty Dancing.
I have always liked movies and can’t name all the ones that I have seen. I worked in a movie theater and Blockbuster too. So that’s way too many. My favorite animated is Lion King.
Have you ever met Patrick or anyone else from the cast?
Unfortunately, no. When I was younger, it was my fondest wish to meet Patrick! Of course, I’d still like to meet the man who helped me through some tough stuff, but realistically I know that won’t happen.
Will you continue to watch Dirty Dancing?
I haven’t stopped yet and I don’t think I ever will! When it comes on TV, I still get caught in the story and can’t change the channel. As an adult, I can now appreciate the fact that it was a well written film. Everyone my age loves DD and Patrick Swayze.
What do you think about Dirty Dancing, the movie being made into the stage production, and do you plan on seeing it?
Is Patrick in it? LOL. I think it’s great but I don’t expect it to be as good as the original ’87 version. Mostly because I think Patrick helps make the story come alive in a way no other actor can or could.
Do you think a sequel could be made?
Technically, there is a Dirty Dancing sequel. It is Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights. Patrick is a dance instructor in the movie … I would truly love to see Patrick do an ACTUAL sequel because in my heart Havana Nights isn’t a sequel. LOL.
Anything else you want to say about Dirty Dancing?
Just that it is a great movie! Patrick did an awesome job in the role as “Johnny Castle,” as did Jennifer Grey as “Baby.”
On a more serious note, I am saddened to hear about Patrick having pancreatic cancer. I pray that he will be able to make it through this tough time in his life. I’m sending him all my strength that I can!!!!!!
Additional Demographic Information
Marital Status: Happily married to the man of my dreams
Education: Some college
Profession: Homemaker (son—age 13)
Official Patrick Swayze International Fan Club member: Joined in 2007
ROY HELTON
Age 35. Lives in Ferndale, Michigan.
September 2008 (written interview).
*Roy’s mother—Barbara Phipps (age 62) also did an interview.
Has seen Dirty Dancing 16–50 times.
What year did you first see Dirty Dancing? And how old were you?
1988. Sixteen.
Why do you like Dirty Dancing so much?
It made me feel good and that dreams can come true.
How has Dirty Dancing impacted you personally?
On the questionnaire, you checked off, “has given hope that love exists” and “has given hope that people will do the right thing.”
Could you say anything more specific about this?
By believing that hope can bring positive things in your life.
People in general are good and want to help others.
In addition to Dirty Dancing, how many movies have you seen multiple times? Is Patrick in them?
Bridget Jones, Muriel’s Wedding, Steel Magnolias, Star Wars.
Have you ever met Patrick or anyone else from the cast? If so, what was it like?
Met Patrick one time at dinner [following a benefit gala that Patrick hosted in Detroit for the dance company—Complexions].
Will you continue to watch Dirty Dancing?
Yes.
What do you think about Dirty Dancing, the movie being made into the stage production? Do you plan to see the stage production?
I think it will be a huge success. Yes.
Do you think a good sequel can be made?
I think the sequel came out too late and did not capture the same energy and passion that Dirty Dancing had.
Anything else you want to say about Dirty Dancing?
Dirty Dancing is a movie that has impacted many generations in my family’s life. It is one of the few movies we all can identify with and enjoy sharing.
Additional Demographic Information
Marital status: Single
Education: MA in Psychology
Occupation/Profession: Mental Health
Official Patrick Swayze International Fan Club member: No
BECKY WILLIAMS
Age 36. Lives in Macomb, Michigan.
May 28, 2008 (in-person interview).
Has seen Dirty Dancing countless times.
What year did you first see Dirty Dancing?
I saw it in ’87 … when it came out …
How old were you?
I was fifteen when I first saw Dirty Dancing …
You said you were a fan of Patrick before?
I was a fan of Patrick before the movie came out … Yes, I became a fan of Patrick when I saw North and South … He captured me then, and he’s had me captured ever since … I have seen North and South probably almost as many times as I’ve seen Dirty Dancing.
How many times have you seen Dirty Dancing?
Oh, countless. I tried to come up with a number and I don’t even think I can hazard a correct guess …
Have you seen North and South almost as many times?
Dirty Dancing is so much easier because it’s such a shorter timeframe, but certain episodes certain themes from North and South … again, just countless times. I absolutely love the story, and you know he makes it that much better—so both of them.
When did you first see Nort
h and South?
North and South sometime around ’84 … or right before then.
And you said you would love to meet Patrick and that you are not usually a celebrity fan.
I am not a star struck individual. He is the one and only that I have, you know, a real yearning to meet and talk with.
Do you think you will meet him?
I hope so. It has become that much more important to me since he’s been ill, and I don’t know whether that is right or wrong, but I would love to meet him … if nothing else to let him know the real impact that he’s had on me …
What do you think that impact is?
I think earlier you said something about the book being sort of like a dream or call it a passion … He’s made that very real for me through his work …
I’ve just developed a real healthy, not an obsession affection … a healthy affection … I think sometimes so many people can get really obsessed with a famous celebrity or individual, and I don’t want that to be confused with … I have no unhealthy notion of anything, but you know a good conversation and just really sharing with him the impact that he’s had on my life.
What impact is that?
I think he has helped to develop that dream … you know two of his stories—both North and South and Dirty Dancing—have been escapes for me … they’ve been havens … they’ve been places to go … It’s kind of like a favorite food, or a blanket or a cup of hot chocolate—just some place comfortable to go … a getaway … And he’s helped create those places through his art. Just to watch him dance.
You know on the questionnaire on #3, you had checked off, “has provided relief in a difficult time,” “has given hope that love exists,” “has been an emotional catharsis,” “has given hope that people will do the right thing.” We already covered some of that. Is there anything else that you want to say about #3?
I think one of the things Dirty Dancing does for me is that sometimes people think that when you have a love for something, it needs to end happy. And I think Dirty Dancing was a story that love wasn’t necessarily going to work out—it wasn’t necessarily going to continue or necessarily go anywhere, but they could live in that moment. I like that thought that you can just live in the moment without having to worry about what may come after … that is one of the things that I love about it. You just knew that even though it sort of ended happy … I don’t have any misconceptions that they were going to be together forever … but that they could just have their time …