Description
Frankie Manning: Ambassador of Lindy Hop
Frankie Manning was a pioneer in the world of dance, and an ambassador of Lindy Hop. He is renowned for his contributions to the dance form, as well as his influence on the African American dance community. Throughout his life, Manning inspired generations of dancers, and his legacy continues to be celebrated to this day.
Early Years
Born in Jacksonville, Florida in 1914, Manning moved to Harlem, New York City, as a child. It was here that he developed a love for savoy style lindy hop, and quickly became involved in the local dance scene. He was drawn to the energetic and acrobatic dance styles that were popular at the time, and it was not long before he became a skilled dancer himself.
Whitey's Lindy Hoppers
In 1935, Manning joined the Whitey's savoy ballroom Lindy Hoppers dance troupe, led by Herbert "Whitey" White. The group quickly became known for its dynamic and acrobatic performances, and their popularity soon spread across the country. As a member of the troupe, Manning continued to develop his skills as a dancer, and it was during this time that he began to create many of the moves and routines that are now synonymous with Lindy Hop.
Manning's Contribution to Lindy Hop
Manning was renowned for his smooth and effortless style of savoy ballroom dancing, which was characterized by his use of swing rhythms and his ability to improvise. He was also known for his showmanship, and the air step that he invented, in which he lifted his partner into the air and caught them in a dramatic pose, became one of the most iconic moves in Lindy Hop.
During World War II, Manning served in the army and was stationed in Europe. Even while serving his country, he continued to dance and teach Lindy Hop Dancing, and he introduced the dance to many European dancers. His efforts to promote the dance in Europe were instrumental in its continued popularity and growth, and it was during this time that he earned the nickname "Ambassador of Lindy Hop."
The resurgence of Lindy Hop
In the 1980s, Savoy ballroom Lindy Hop experienced a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to the efforts of Manning and other dancers who had kept the dance alive. Manning travelled around the world, teaching workshops and performing, and he became a beloved figure in the Lindy Hop Dancing community. His efforts helped to bring the dance to a new generation of dancers, and his influence is still felt in the dance world to this day.
Manning's Contribution to African American Dance
Manning was also an important figure in the history of African American swing dancing. He was a mentor to many younger dancers, and he helped to break down racial barriers in the swing dance styles. His contributions to the African American dance community were recognized in 1989 when he was awarded a National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts, which is the highest honour for folk and traditional artists in the United States.
Legacy
Manning passed away in 2009 at the age of 94, but his legacy lives on. Lindy Hop continues to be a popular dance form around the world, and Manning's contributions to the dance and to the African American swing dancing community are still celebrated. His unique style of dancing and his dedication to teaching and promoting Lindy Hop dancers have inspired countless dancers, and his influence will continue to be felt for many years to come.
Conclusion
Frankie Manning was a true pioneer in the world of swing dancing, and his contributions to Lindy Hop and the African American dance community are immeasurable. As an ambassador of the dance, he helped to popularize Lindy Hop communities around the world, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of dancers.
In the early days of swing dancing, Frankie Manning stood out for his moves and his innovative routines. This is his autobiography, recalling how his first years of dancing as a teenager at Harlem's Savoy Ballroom led to his becoming chief choreographer and a lead dancer for 'Whitey's Lindy Hoppers'.
Author: Frankie Manning, Cynthia Millman
Publisher: Temple University Press
Published: 09/01/2008
Pages: 312
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.93lbs
Size: 8.86h x 5.80w x 0.73d
ISBN13: 9781592135646
ISBN10: 1592135641
BISAC Categories:
- Biography & Autobiography | Entertainment & Performing Arts
- Performing Arts | Dance | Jazz
- Biography & Autobiography | Personal Memoirs
About the Author
Lindy hopper Frankie Manning won a 1989 Tony Award for his choreography in Black and Blue, was honored by the National Endowment for the Arts with a National Heritage Fellowship, and served as a consultant for and danced in Spike Lee's Malcolm X and Debbie Allen's Stompin' at the Savoy. Frankie's choreographic contributions to the lindy, his professional dance career with Whitey's Lindy Hoppers and the Congaroo Dancers, and his vital role in the swing dance revival have been widely chronicled in the news media, books, and documentaries, including Ken Burns's Jazz and an ABC News 20/20 profile. Now in his nineties, Frankie travels the world teaching the Lindy hop and sharing his riveting memories of dancing through the swing era.