As Lindy Hoppers from around the world were planning to celebrate Frankie’s 95th birthday in New York in just a few weeks, we learned of his passing. Frankie was 94 and he died in New York on April 27th, 2009. He was suffering from pneumonia.
We all mourn the loss of one of our favorite dancers. Those of us who were lucky enough to meet him will never forget his warm smile and ageless stamina.
He inspired all lindy hoppers with his joy for dancing. We could only hope to dance until our 90’s.
A dancer from Harlem, Frankie was one of the pioneers of Lindy Hop. That’s when swing dancers started inventing acrobatic moves called “aerials.” His exhuberant dancing was featured in the 1941 film “Hellzappopin’”
This dance star of the 1930’s – 1940’s ended up working at the post office for 30 years. In the 1980’s dancers from the Pasadena Ballroom Association in Southern California, went to New York to seek him out and talked him out of (dance) retirement. (Thanks PBDA) Since then, Frankie has been sharing his moves with Lindy Hoppers around the world. Frankie Manning will continue to be an inspiration to all of us whose lives were touched by his genius and his wonderful spirit.
Farewell Frankie, we love you and miss you.
COMING SOON:
SWING DANCING VIDEOS
I have some video from the last night at
THE DERBY then it closed forever
I have video of the LAST NIGHT @ PALADINOS
I have vintage video from CATALINA
and many more.
Once I find the time, I'll start sharing.
