Swing dance legend Frankie Manning died this morning. Of all the greats, I believe Frankie touched more lives than any other in this dance. This is certainly the case for me. Frankie is credited with inventing the air step and bringing synchronized lindy hop routines to swing. These two elements formed the cornerstone of my 8 years of competitive and social lindy hop.
As you can see from this clip, while an old man's body may be slowing down, his passion and enthusiasm remain.
This is the famous clip, perhaps the most studied in all of Lindy Hop. Frankie is the dancer in the overalls.
Frankie, you were a wonderful ambassador and a patient teacher. Your love for dance and life propelled us all. In your grace, joy, creativity, and your incredible talent, you embodied that for which we all strove. If there is a life after death, I fully expect you to be at the front of the dancehall, swinging away.
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