It don’t mean a thing, if it ain’t got that swing…
What is Lindy Hop?
Lindy hop is the original swing dance. Danced at a variety of tempos, lindy hop and big band swing perfectly complement one another.
It is oftentimes characterized as a joyful, happy dance. Improvisation and rhythmical play are tied to lindy's styling and spirit.
Lindy hop is a black dance. Lindy hop emerged out of black experience and black culture. Understanding the context and culture in which lindy hop developed is essential to dancing it both authentically and respectfully.
Who was Frankie Manning?
Frankie Manning is widely considered the greatest and most influential lindy hopper of all-time. Along with being credited for developing a more athletic position within lindy, he created the first ensemble routine, airstep, and developed many of the partnering dynamics used throughout the dance. He traveled the world from the 1980s until his passing in 2009, spreading the joy of lindy hop through his teachings and stories. He is recognized as the prime mover in lindy hop’s worldwide spread during the modern era.
Frankie Manning: Ambassador of Lindy Hop is essential reading for all lindy hoppers!
Check out some of our favorite clips of Frankie below:
See lots more Frankie Manning material on our YouTube channel.
What is Swing It Seattle’s connection to Frankie Manning?
Like many, Mark Kihara was a student of Frankie Manning.
Additionally, he has partnered with others who taught with Frankie and received their unique insights into his ideas and philosophies.
Most notably, he continues to digitize, archive, and preserve rare and never-before-seen footage of Frankie Manning & other historic figures in jazz dance. This material forms the basis for all of the lindy hop classes taught at Swing It Seattle.
“I’m not interested in fame and glory. It’s just that I would like others to know what a happy dance this is.”
— Frankie Manning