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Writer's pictureRob van Haaren

What Is The Lindy Hop | Discovering The Contribution of Frankie Manning To Lindy Hop

Updated: Mar 15

Hey there, dance enthusiasts! Today, we want to share with you an amazing journey into the world of swing dance guided by none other than the legendary Frankie Manning. If you've ever tapped your feet to the rhythm of swing music or felt the urge to move when you hear those lively beats, then you're in for a treat.



frankie manning lindy hop


Lindy Hop is a cool dance style that comes from the black communities in New York City. If what-is-the-lindy-hop-discovering-the-contribution-of-frankie-manning-to-lindy-hop you're interested or just starting with dancing, then you can read on to find more. In this blog, we will tell you about the legend Frankie Manning and the Lindy Hop dance. We will also tell you about the contribution of Frankie Manning to Lindy Hop.


A Glimpse of About The Legend Frankie Manning


Let's start at the beginning. Frankie Manning was born in 1914 in Jacksonville, Florida. When he was three years old, his parents separated, and he went to live in Harlem with his mom, who was also a dancer. Manning started learning dance from his mother as a child.


Now, you will be wondering why Frankie Manning is such a big deal in Lindy Hop. Frankie Manning wasn't just an amazing dancer; he changed Lindy Hop forever by adding his own special style and creating new moves that amazed people everywhere. When he danced, he did it with such grace, charm, and excitement that everyone around wanted to dance along with him.


What Is The Lindy Hop Dance?


The Lindy Hop is a type of dance that became really popular from the late 1920s to the early 1940s. It's linked with a time called the "Swing Era," when big-band jazz music was all the rage, and people loved to dance for fun.


In the 1950s, fewer people were interested in Lindy Hop dancing. But later on, around the end of the 20th century, there was a renewed interest in it. Nowadays, Lindy Hop is still loved by many people who enjoy dancing, whether they're serious about it or just like to have fun. You can still see Lindy Hop being danced at competitions and social gatherings.


The Contribution of Frankie Manning To Lindy Hop


The contribution of Frankie Manning to Lindy Hop is immeasurable. Frankie Manning wasn't just a Lindy Hop dancer; he was a revolutionary, a teacher, and an ambassador. Manning revolutionized the Lindy Hop scene with his innovative moves and charismatic style. He played a crucial role in popularizing Lindy Hop worldwide and helped shape it into the vibrant dance form we know today.


Back in 1935, Manning became famous because he won a dance competition by doing something bold and exciting. He flipped his partner over his back and landed her safely on her feet. This move is called the "air step" in the Lindy Hop dance. It made Frankie Manning well-known, and even today, he's remembered as one of the greatest swing dancers ever. Here in the 1941 movie Hellzapoppin' Frankie manning and Ann Johnson laying it all out! First off Lindy Hop, the grand daddy of all swing dancing, was a social dance but here you see it taken to new heights!





Conclusion


Frankie Manning and Lindy Hop are more than just names; they're symbols of joy, creativity, and community. Manning brought a fresh energy to Lindy Hop, inventing new moves and spreading his infectious enthusiasm wherever he went. He believed that Lindy Hop was for everyone, with no exceptions, whether you are young or old, a seasoned pro, or a complete newbie.


So, what are you waiting for? If you want to join the Lindy Hop revolution, contact Swing Junction! Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a complete newbie, there's always room for you on the dance floor. Visit our official website and keep the spirit of Frankie Manning alive and dance our hearts out!

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