Frankie Manning: Ambassador of Lindy Hop

Excellent book! Must read for swing dancers!

Fantastic historical documentation of a fascinating era. Quick read. Hard to put down. I will definitely read this multiple times.

I have been a student and admirer of Frankie Manning's ever since my first dance lesson with him almost ten years ago. Frankie is a legendary dancer, an innovator and pioneer in the dance form called "Lindy Hop" that started in the Jazz Age in the streets of Harlem and continues to this day in clubs, schools and dancehalls all over the world. I've been hearing Frankie tell his inspiring stories for a long time now, but never with this rich detail and the larger historical context provided by Ms. Millman to back them up. From his days as a child at rent parties to the heyday of the Savoy Ballroom to performing internationally with the dance troupe Whitey's Lindy Hoppers, you follow the exciting growth of a young dancer. Then we follow Frankie into the war years and his dropping out of the swing world for several decades. Fortunately in the 1980s, Frankie is coaxed out of retirement and continues to do this day to teach and inspire others about this wonderful dance. Throughout it all, you cannot help but be touched by Frankie's grace, style and humor in navigating tumultuous, often racially-charged situations. I want to be Frankie when I grow up. A great read for anyone interested in African-american history, dance, or jazz.

I'm a swing dancer (lindy hopper) and this book was so helpful and interesting. I didn't know about a lot of the origins of phrases we use now, or realize that certain people knew each other. The writing style is friendly and engaging; I would probably enjoy this book even if I weren't a dancer.

I was fortunate to have met Frankie twice before I read the book. This gave me the face and voice to put the words to. As I read, it was as if Frankie was there talking to me with all the wit , humor and charm he has in person. Frankie's excitement in telling his stories makes you wish you could have been there with him. Frankie does a wonderful job of taking you through his life experiences in a way that you just can't put the book down. For me the book is about much more than dancing Lindy Hop. It's about how to live your life which is finding your passion and becoming the best, not to become famous or rich, but because it gives you purpose and that gives others inspiration. Thanks for putting Frankie's life into words. He is someone I wish my kids, grand kids and all future generations could have met. I hope this book soon becomes a movie so all the world can once again see Frankie Manning on the dance floor.

Great book!

Frankie Manning might not have been a total pioneer in the world of dance, but he’s right up there with the greats. Now you might be wondering why I’d say he’s not a total pioneer. You might wonder who Frankie Manning is. Valid questions. Unless you’ve done any studying of jazz dance, you might not know this dancer, but you should. Frankie Manning came of age in the swing era. He talks about going from ballroom to ballroom, club to club, learning how to dance. I liked this book because there are parts where he discusses dance and how he got as skilled at swing dancing, but also his simple love of dance. He’s done other things, but he sincerely loves dance, and it shows. I also liked that the book had other sections that discussed what the various dances were/are and how they evolved. That was so neat because I had no idea what some of them even looked like. Now I know. Manning isn’t a perfect guy, but he loves dance and that shines through every page of the book. He not only talks about the heady swing days, but also his life after and how he came to teach. It’s a fascinating look at swing dancing, the Lindy Hoppers and more. Grab a copy today! originally posted at long and short reviews

This is a book every Lindy Swing Dancer should read. If you love Lindy, you should know the history, and most of all, know who Frankie Manning is!!!! I've bought one for each of my dance helpers as gifts of thank you. I got mine the day it was released!

This is a good book for everyone with a little bit of interest in the Lindy Hop dance but also in african-amercian history. Highly recommended. Very easy to read.

Delivered quickly and in perfect state. I love the subject so it's such a pleasure to read it!

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Great reading for all Lindy Hoppers! Frankie is still inspiring to dance more and more.

Every Lindy Hopper MUST read this book, and the rest of the world should too. It's a beautiful account of an unsung American hero and would be of interest to anyone who enjoys history, jazz, dance, the arts, and just a good true story.