Frankie Manning : ambassador of Lindy hop
Frankie Manning (Author), Cynthia R. Millman (Author)
"In the early days of swing dancing, Frankie Manning stood out for his moves and his innovative routines; he created the "air step" in the Lindy hop, a dance that took the U.S. and then the world by storm. In this autobiography, the choreographer and Tony Award winner (Black and Blue) Frankie Manning recalls how his first years of dancing as a teenager at Harlem's Savoy Ballroom led to his becoming chief choreographer and a lead dancer for "Whitey's Lindy Hoppers," a group that appeared on Broadway, in Hollywood musicals, and on stages around the globe. Manning brings the Swing Era vividly back to life with his recollections of the crowded ballrooms, and of Lindy hoppers trying to outdo each other in spectacular performances. His memories of the many headliners and film stars, as well as uncelebrated dancers with whom he shared the stage, create a unique portrait of an era in which African American performers enjoyed the spotlight, if not a star's prerogatives and salary." "With co-author Cynthia R. Millman, Manning traces the evolution of swing dancing from its emergence in Harlem through the post-World War II period, until it was eclipsed first by rock and roll and then disco. When swing made a comeback, Manning's 30-year hiatus ended. He has been performing, choreographing, and teaching ever since."--Jacket
Biography
286 pages, 16 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations ; 24 cm
9781592135646, 9781592135639, 1592135641, 1592135633
76261647
Jazz baby
Early ballroom forays
To the Savoy at last
Whitey, Shorty, and Stretch
Win win
Up in the air she goes
Going pro
Big time at the Cotton Club
A big apple for Whitey
On Broadway and in the movies
Down Rio way
Dancer interrupted
The congaroo dancers and a day job
Revival