Comments on: What a happy dance this is

What a happy dance this is

psylosyren — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:48:53 -0800

Frankie Manning, as seen previously, passed away, but his 95th birthday party will go on as scheduled which will feature a Battle of the 'Bones with the Wycliffe Gordon Quartet.

Careful dancers. There is an inherent risk of injury: sign here.

By: ChuraChura

ChuraChura — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:22:52 -0800

I was so sad to see that Frankie Manning died so close to his 95th. I'm glad the party is still going on - it's the best way to honor his memory. I know that swing dancers all over the world are celebrating his life with The Shim Sam and perfecting some aerials. "Great lindy hoppers never die ... they just swing out!"

By: barrett caulk

barrett caulk — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:46:33 -0800

. If I could dance like that I would never stop. Love this post. FTR, Manning also choreographed and trained Denzel Washington for the Lindy Hop scene for Spike Lee's Malcolm X. *googles "dance studios springfield mo"*

By: Songdog

Songdog — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:57:20 -0800

My wife and I took part in a class Frankie Manning led in New York about eight years ago, when we were in the midst of pre-wedding Lindy Hop classes. Our teachers revered Manning, and it was a great pleasure to be part of the big circle of dancers in orbit around him (both figuratively and literally). He'll be missed.

By: andihazelwood

andihazelwood — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:47:38 -0800

. So would've loved to have learned from him. I have a video of him and Erin Stevens instructing but there's nothin' like live. He always looked like he was having the time of his life. Probably because he was! Great way to live, spending your years doing something that makes you smile.

By: Happydaz

Happydaz — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:11:11 -0800

I took a class with him in Eugene 9 years ago. He was a fantastic teacher and a wonderful person. This is a big loss to the Lindy community.

By: jonp72

jonp72 — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 20:58:54 -0800

Whitey's Lindy Hoppers (including Frankie Manning) are in this clip from Hellzapoppin!, a 1941 musical comedy badly in need of rediscovery.

By: TheNakedPixel

TheNakedPixel — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 23:28:31 -0800

I met the man on a few occasions, having been involved with the most recent swing revival in New York these last ten years. I can attest to the hype: he truly was an inspiration to all lovers of dance and appreciators of music, a living testament to American history and its social changes. He will be missed by many, and we are all the less for the loss.

By: the luke parker fiasco

the luke parker fiasco — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:51:19 -0800

. I had the opportunity to talk and dance with him at a couple of workshops. A wonderful person and a true living legend ... Frankie, you will be missed.

By: turbodog

turbodog — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:06:37 -0800

. and my past attempt at a Frankie FPP.

By: psylosyren

psylosyren — Fri, 01 May 2009 08:20:31 -0800

turbodog please know I gave your beautiful FPP props!