As Lindy Hoppers from around the world were planning to celebrate Frankie’s 95th birthday in New York fans 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 shared his moves with Lindy Hoppers from 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.
Since 2009 dancers continue to honor and remember the dance legend by organizing special events to celebrate Frankie's birthday.
CAMP HOLLYWOOD - longest running yearly swing camp, held in
I started dancing about 20 years ago and created this website in 2001 to share the experience of being a lindy hopper/swing dancer in the best city in the world, Los Angeles.
I stepped away and stopped adding information for quite a while, but this site has fascinating historical content that is valuable and entertaining.
If you click on the links in the bottom half of the page you will see articles & pictures from way back, when we all used to look different.
I just added photos to aknoledge some dancers we've lost and miss..
I have tons of videos I need to review and share. In the meantime, have fun reminiscing.
