Personal Photography - Frankie Manning Weekend 2007
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Have you ever met a living legend? It's not something that happens often. Sure, we all have someone we may have idolized or looked up to, such as a professional athlete, celebrity, or political activist. But it isn't that often you have a chance to stand face to face with someone regarded as a legend in their field. The main reason is the simple fact that legendary status is rare and therefore hard to come by. But starting on Friday evening, September 7th and again on Saturday, September 8th, I had the rare honor of being in the presence of Frankie Manning, a living dance legend.
Frankie Manning was born May 26, 1914 in Jacksonville, Florida. Throughout the 1930's, Frankie became known as one of the top dancers at the famous Savoy Ballroom in Harlem. He revolutionized the course of the Lindy Hop with his style, energy and innovations, including the Lindy air step and synchronized ensemble Lindy routine. He performed at the Cotton Club, Radio City Music Hall and Carnegie Hall. He choreographed and danced in what is commonly known as the best Lindy routine ever captured in the 1941 film Hellzapoppin'. I could go on and on about Frankie and what he means to dancing in America but it would just be easier to suggest reading his autobiography, "Frankie Manning: Ambassador of Lindy Hop".
But I will tell you, as a fellow Lindy Hopper and dance enthusiast, it was truly an honor to be in the presence of this man. I had an even greater privlidge of actually conducting a video interview with Frankie for the AARP. You can view the interview here, but for now enjoy these shots from Frankie's annual workshop weekend in Washington, DC.
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