Frankie Manning facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frankie Manning
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Manning in 2008
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| Born | May 26, 1914 |
| Died | April 27, 2009 (aged 94) |
| Other names | Frank Manning "Muscle head" Manning |
| Occupation | Choreographer, dancer |
| Children | Chazz Young Marion Manning Frankie Manning Jr. |
| Awards | Tony Award for Best Choreography 1989 Black and Blue |
Frankie Manning (born May 26, 1914 – died April 27, 2009) was an amazing American dancer, choreographer, and teacher. He is famous for helping to create and popularize the Lindy Hop. This exciting dance style came from Harlem, New York City, in the United States.
Frankie Manning was a true legend of swing dance. He brought the Lindy Hop to stages around the world. At 75 years old, he won a special award called a Tony Award in 1989. This was for his work on a Broadway musical called Black and Blue. He also wrote a book about his life, titled Frankie Manning: Ambassador of Lindy Hop.
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Who Was Frankie Manning?
Frankie Manning was born in Jacksonville, Florida. He grew up to become one of the most important figures in the history of swing dance. People sometimes called him "Muscle head" Manning. This was because of his strong and energetic dance moves. He helped shape the Lindy Hop into the lively dance we know today.
Early Life and Dance Beginnings
Frankie Manning was born in 1914. When he was young, he moved to Harlem, New York City. Harlem was a very exciting place for music and dance in the 1920s and 1930s. Frankie started dancing at a famous place called the Savoy Ballroom. This ballroom was known as "the Home of Happy Feet." It was a place where many new dance styles were born.
Frankie learned to dance by watching others. He practiced a lot and developed his own unique style. He loved the energy and freedom of the Lindy Hop. This dance combined many different steps and movements.
The Lindy Hop King
The Lindy Hop began in the late 1920s. It was a partner dance that mixed jazz, tap, and Charleston steps. Frankie Manning helped to make the Lindy Hop even more exciting. He introduced new moves, like "aerials" or "air steps." These were daring moves where dancers would lift or flip their partners in the air.
Frankie became a lead dancer in a famous group called "Whitey's Lindy Hoppers." They performed all over the world. They even appeared in movies like Hellzapoppin' and A Day at the Races. Their performances showed the world how fun and athletic the Lindy Hop could be.
Broadway Star and Teacher
After World War II, swing dancing became less popular for a while. Frankie Manning stopped dancing professionally. He worked for the United States Postal Service for many years. But in the 1980s, there was a new interest in swing dancing. Frankie was asked to teach the Lindy Hop again.
He returned to the dance floor and became a beloved teacher. He traveled the world, sharing his knowledge and passion for the Lindy Hop. In 1989, he co-choreographed the Broadway musical Black and Blue. For this work, he won a Tony Award. A Tony Award is one of the highest honors for plays and musicals on Broadway.
Legacy and Impact
Frankie Manning became known as the "Ambassador of Lindy Hop." He inspired thousands of new dancers around the globe. He taught them not just the steps, but also the joy and spirit of the dance. His autobiography, Frankie Manning: Ambassador of Lindy Hop, tells his amazing life story.
Frankie Manning passed away in 2009 at the age of 94. But his legacy lives on. Lindy Hop is danced in many countries today. People celebrate his birthday every year with dance events. He showed everyone that dance can bring people together and spread happiness.
