Deaths on April 27

Frankie Manning, American dancer and choreographer (b. 1914)

Frankie Manning, born on May 26, 1914, and passing away on April 27, 2009, was a colossal figure in the world of dance. More than just an American dancer, he was a pivotal instructor and choreographer whose contributions were instrumental in shaping one of the most exhilarating dance forms of the 20th century. Revered globally, Manning is unequivocally celebrated as one of the principal founders of the Lindy Hop, an energetic and improvisational jazz dance style that forms the very heart of what we now commonly refer to as swing dancing.

The Architect of Lindy Hop: Frankie Manning's Journey

Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Frankie Manning moved to Harlem, New York, with his mother as a young child. It was in the vibrant cultural melting pot of Harlem during the Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression that his passion for dance truly ignited. He spent countless hours at the legendary Savoy Ballroom, often called the "Home of Happy Feet," observing and absorbing the innovative moves of the era's best dancers. The Lindy Hop itself emerged from this very ballroom in the late 1920s, a dynamic evolution of earlier jazz dances like the Charleston and the Foxtrot, characterized by its improvisational nature, athletic aerials, and a strong connection between partners.

Revolutionizing the Dance Floor

Manning's genius lay not just in his remarkable talent but in his innovative spirit. He is credited with several groundbreaking contributions that fundamentally changed the Lindy Hop. In 1935, while dancing with his partner Frieda Washington, he introduced the first "air step" or "aerial" into the Lindy Hop at a contest at the Savoy. This daring move, where the female dancer was lifted and flipped over the male dancer's back, added a thrilling acrobatic dimension to the dance, captivating audiences and inspiring countless dancers. He also developed the side-by-side Charleston step, providing a more versatile opening for leader-follower variations and expanding the dance's vocabulary.

Leading the Pros: The Whitey's Lindy Hoppers

Frankie Manning's exceptional skills led him to become the lead dancer and chief choreographer for Whitey's Lindy Hoppers, a professional performance group assembled by Herbert "Whitey" White, a former bouncer from the Savoy Ballroom. Under Manning's creative direction, the group became world-renowned, touring extensively and appearing in several Hollywood films. Their electrifying performances in movies such as "Hellzapoppin' " (1941) and "A Day at the Races" (1937) immortalized the Lindy Hop on screen, showcasing its explosive energy and sophisticated athleticism to a global audience. These cinematic appearances are still studied today by dancers worldwide for their historical significance and breathtaking choreography, serving as a primary visual record of the dance's golden age.

A Second Act: Revival and Global Legacy

After a period of hiatus from professional dancing following World War II and the decline of the big band era, Frankie Manning took on a job with the U.S. Post Office. However, the resurgence of swing dancing in the mid-1980s brought him back into the spotlight. Younger generations of dancers, rediscovering the joy and artistry of Lindy Hop, diligently sought out its originators. Manning, then in his seventies, became a revered instructor, traveling the world to teach, inspire, and share his authentic knowledge of the dance. His patience, warmth, and infectious passion made him a beloved mentor to thousands, directly connecting contemporary dancers to the dance's golden age with a living legend.

The Ambassador of Swing

Through his global workshops and masterclasses, Frankie Manning became the ultimate ambassador for Lindy Hop. He tirelessly taught the authentic style, technique, and spirit of the dance, emphasizing rhythm, connection, and improvisation, often sharing anecdotes from his time at the Savoy. His efforts were crucial in preserving the dance for future generations and fostering a worldwide community of Lindy Hoppers. He celebrated his 95th birthday in 2009, just months before his passing, with "Frankie 95," a massive international swing festival attended by thousands of dancers from around the globe, a truly heartfelt testament to his immense influence and the love he inspired.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Lindy Hop?

The Lindy Hop is an energetic and improvisational partner jazz dance that originated in the African-American community of Harlem, New York, in the late 1920s. It is characterized by its swinging rhythm, athletic moves, air steps, and a strong emphasis on improvisation and connection between partners. It is often considered the original form of swing dancing and the foundation for many other swing styles.

What was Frankie Manning's most significant contribution to Lindy Hop?

Frankie Manning's most significant contributions include choreographing the first "air step" or "aerial" in Lindy Hop in 1935, which added an acrobatic and show-stopping dimension to the dance, and his pivotal role as lead dancer and choreographer for Whitey's Lindy Hoppers, which brought the dance to global prominence through film and live performances. Later, his tireless work as a worldwide instructor helped revive and preserve the dance for new generations.

Where did Frankie Manning primarily dance and teach?

Frankie Manning's early dance career was centered at the legendary Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, New York, during the 1930s and 40s. After the swing revival in the 1980s, he taught extensively across the globe, traveling to numerous countries to share his expertise in workshops and festivals, truly becoming an international icon of the dance.

When did Lindy Hop become popular?

Lindy Hop first gained widespread popularity in the 1930s and 1940s, flourishing during the Big Band era. Its popularity waned after World War II due to changing musical tastes, but it experienced a significant global revival starting in the mid-1980s, continuing to grow in popularity today across continents.

What is Frankie Manning's legacy today?

Frankie Manning's legacy is immense and multifaceted. He is remembered as an innovator, a masterful dancer, and a dedicated teacher who preserved and promoted the authentic spirit of Lindy Hop. His choreography continues to inspire dancers, and his teaching has directly influenced generations, ensuring that the joy and energy of Lindy Hop continue to thrive worldwide. His birthday, May 26th, is often celebrated globally as "World Lindy Hop Day" by the swing dance community.