Preparing for Frankie 110 & World Lindy Hop Day

We’re coming up on World Lindy Hop Day and Frankie 110 on May 26th and I’ve been reflecting a lot on Lindy Hop in general, but especially about my time with Frankie.

This dance was very special. Even though I had danced with Frankie before and assisted him in workshops, I remember as we danced thinking I’d never felt anything like this leading before. He completely turned on to perform and his clarity of lead and his rhythmical emphasis were so pronounced. It was an amazing experience. Love the verbal “Shake Time” queue too.

Notice that Frankie starts to swing me out on 5. People who worked with both Frankie and All Minns mentioned that when they first started to teach Lindy Hop in the 80s, they would start dancing usually on 7 or sometimes 5. It was only after teaching newbies that they switched and began to start dancing on 1 of the music. I think, as an experienced dancer, there’s a lot of freedom to emphasize different parts of each move when you shift where you are within the phrasing. Frankie always knew where he was within the musical phrase and played within that. That’s really shown well here.

I remember we danced a bit longer than the cameras show here. Too bad the rest was cut off but I will always cherish this opportunity and the memory of how he felt to dance with on that day.

Frankie Manning dancing at 76 on French Television

I just want to make sure everyone gets to see this amazing video that Eric Esquivel found featuring Frankie Manning at age 76 dancing with Judy Pritchett and also featuring Cyd Charisse! (Interviews are translated into French.) This is truly an amazing find. Enjoy!

22 sep 1990, "Etoile Palace" démonstration de Lindy hop Frankie Manning. Frankie Manning is dancing with Judy Pritchett. He was 76.Thanks Jean-Christophe HepRef: https://fresques.ina.fr/danses-sans-visa/fiche-media/Dasavi00702/etoile-palace-demonstration-de-lindy-hop-frankie-manning.htmlMore: https://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/03/arts/review-dance-french-jitterbugs-find-a-future-in-harlem-s-past.html

Posted by Eric Esquivel on Wednesday, August 15, 2018

22 sep 1990, “Etoile Palace” démonstration de Lindy hop Frankie Manning. Frankie Manning is dancing with Judy Pritchett. He was 76.
Thanks Jean-Christophe Hep

Ref: https://fresques.ina.fr/…/etoile-palace-demonstration-de-li…
More: https://www.nytimes.com/…/review-dance-french-jitterbugs-fi…

Frankie Month in Niagara & Toronto 2018

It’s still very wintery out there but Frankie Month (May) is just around the corner! I’m pleased to announce two workshops, one in Toronto and one in St. Catharines. Happy to have my old pal, Kevin Miller, join me for these! All proceeds will be donated to the Frankie Manning Foundation.

As a board member for the Frankie Manning Foundation (FMF) and someone who had the privilege of assisting Frankie Manning for three workshops in 2002, 2006, and 2008, these workshops are very near and dear to my heart. The workshops are Pay-What-You-Can with a suggested donation of $40 if you do a full afternoon. Please join us.

Frankie Manning Workshops 2018

  • Toronto: Saturday, May 5th, 3pm-6pm – Dovercourt House, 1st floor – CLICK HERE
  • St. Catharines: Saturday, May 26th, 1pm-5pm – Beacon School – CLICK HERE

Instructors: Mandi Gould & Kevin Miller


Who is Frankie Manning?

Legendary Lindy Hopper Frankie Manning passed away in 2009, but his spirit lives on in the hearts and feet of swing dancers around the world. Frankie is remembered and revered for his vital role in the history and revival of swing dancing, as well as for his radiant and charismatic personality. His legacy is hugely important and widely influential, and #FrankieMonth is celebrated around the world each May. Learn more about Frankie Manning.

 

Happy Birthday Frankie 2017

I want to share this clip on Frankie’s birthday. It was one of the highlights of my life and this short dance heavily influenced the way that I feel about Lindy Hop. What was truly incredible about this is the way that Frankie turned ON to perform. Though I had the chance to dance with him a bit at other times, this was the only time on camera and it was an enlightening experience. WOW. He lit up for the camera and shed 20+ years in an instant.

Continue reading “Happy Birthday Frankie 2017”

Thank You! $351 Raised!

Thank you so much for coming to the workshop, everyone!

It feels great to share Frankie Manning’s story, moves, musicality, and inspiration any time of year, but especially in May for #FrankieMonth. It felt especially *right* to offer a free workshop and I think I’ll make it an annual tradition. That was the largest group we’ve had out dancing in St. Catharines in several years–about 50 people. Continue reading “Thank You! $351 Raised!”

#FrankieMonth 2017 Workshop in St. Catharines

Frankie Manning Workshop in St. Catharines

Date: Sunday, May 21st, 2017

Time: 1pm – 5pm

Location: Bethany Community Church, 1388 Third St, Saint Catharines, Ontario L2R 6P9

Cost: ***There is no fixed cost, but we will gladly collect donations for the Frankie Manning Foundation. We suggest donations between $5 to $40, as is affordable to you.

Instructors: Mandi Gould & Lisa Jacobs, along with Geoffrey Holmes Continue reading “#FrankieMonth 2017 Workshop in St. Catharines”