This master profile has been added by I AM LINDY HOP in recognition
of the inspiration Frankie Manning has had on many of today's Lindy Hoppers
Name
Frankie Manning
Location:
Harlem, NY, United States
Hometown:
Jacksonville, FL, United States |
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My Story:
Frankie Manning is an inspiration to many of today's Lindy Hoppers.
He is often asked the question, "Why did you get into dancing?". His answer one particular night was quite humorous.
"I was dancing around in front of my mother and she said to me that I would never be smooth enough to be a dancer. So I went out to show her I could."
Regardless of the reason why he got into dancing and stuck with dancing, he is a living treasure of Lindy Hop.
Raised in Harlem, New York, from the age of 3, he became part of what is know as the "second generation" of Lindy Hoppers. Inspired by first generation Lindy Hoppers "Shorty" George Snowden and Leroy "Stretch" Jones, Frankie developed his own unique style to start competing against these famous Lindy Hoppers including gaining fame for the first acrobatic moves, or "airsteps", in Lindy Hop.
In 1934, he became a dancer and chief choreographer of the now famous dance troupe "Whitey's Lindy Hoppers", whose clips have inspired many of today's new Lindy Hoppers.
In recent history, he was brought out of retirement in the late 1980's by Erin Stevens of Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association fame and Steven Mitchell. And are we ever glad because since then Frankie has traveled the world inspiring and enlightening Lindy Hoppers from all over with his energy, enthusiasm, and character. He truly is an ambassador of Lindy Hop.
Frankie turns 95 years young this year on May 26, 2009.
Frankie's 95th Birthday
http://frankie95.com
Website:
http://frankiemanning.com
Additional Questions
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