Today’s Google Doodle pays tribute to the 102nd anniversary of the birth of Lindy Hop legend Frankie Manning — responsible in some measure for helping to develop and innovate the dance into a true genre beyond a social descendant of more traditionally ballroom-based styles. As a choreographer, he also helped expand the style’s public presence, creating large-scale routines for professional troupe Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers.
This clip from 1941’s Hellzapoppin, featuring Manning and others, gives a fair idea of the more aerodynamic style he helped to create:
And in this clip from Ken Burns’ 2000 documentary Jazz, Manning speaks briefly on the Savoy — and dance’s — meaning for Depression-era youth:
But most useful is this clip featuring commentary from Manning and fellow Whitey dancer Norma Miller and ample dance footage. While the video quality isn’t high, its historical value is solid:
Manning continued to teach classes and appear in instructional videos into the 1980s and ’90s with swing’s re-emergence in popularity, with footage still available — ensuring a distinctive style’s enduring legacy.
