In the early days of swing dancing, Frankie Manning stood out for his moves and innovative routines; he introduced the 'air step' in the Lindy Hop, a dance that took the U.S. and then the world by storm. In this fascinating autobiography, choreographer and Tony Award winner (Black and Blue) 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.
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Frankie Manning spread swing dancing's popularity throughout the world while touring with Whitey's Lindy Hoppers in the 1930s and '40s. Dance writer and swing dancer Millman conducted extensive interviews with Manning for a vivid account of his career. Manning became a star in Harlem's popular Savoy Ballroom with his unique style, including dancing at a sharp angle to the ground like a track runner, speed and musicality. In a dance competition, Manning astonished the crowd with the first-ever Lindy aerial, or air step (where the man sends his partner flying). Later Manning toured with jazz greats such as Duke Ellington and Count Basie, and performed in several films, including Everybody Sings with Judy Garland. After a long hiatus from dancing, he was a consultant for Spike Lee's Malcolm X and coached a new generation of dancers in the swing dance revival of the '80s and '90s. While the first-person accounts of Manning's life capture his vibrancy, humor and charm, the narrative is interrupted by short sections of historical notes; their formality is at odds with Manning's ease and charisma. Still, this vivid memoir by one of swing dancing's innovators and stars is a must for lovers of dance, jazz and African-American history. 36 b&w illus. (May)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Review
"A poet of the dance floor. This book is a must read for any one who loves the dance, amateur or professional. What a life he has lived, and thank God he remembers it all!" Bette Midler, student and fan "The first-person accounts of Manning's life capture his vibrancy, humor and charm...this vivid memoir by one of swing dancing's innovators and stars is a must for lovers of dance, jazz and African-American history." --Publishers Weekly
"Manning's personality comes across via his vivid descriptions of dance contests, the excitement of choreographing, and the lindy's decline and revival. He also discusses the racism he faced in the U.S. Army during World War II and while on tour...This is an interesting and significant piece of the swing dance record valuable for its oral history. Recommended for academic libraries with dance history collections." --Library Journal
"Sit down with the book and you will feel you've sat down with Frankie in person to hear the wonderful story of his life." --Swing Dancer Magazine
"Manning has aged gracefully in spirit...sounding likeable and constantly refraining from grinding axes or settling scores, in what is a very readable memoir." --j.b. spins
"Frankie Manning has now emerged to share the most informative creative insight to date...sensitively co-written by Cynthia Millman, the book throws new light on broad swathes of original jazz dance practices...FRANKIE MANNING chronicles the dedication, rehearsals, and heard-earned technical virtuosity of a dance form often seen as reckless exuberance. Unlike most writing on the subject, Frankie's detailed acknowledgment of his various Linda partners subtly guides the reader to the dance's reciprocally rhythmic defining character. Frankie's disciplining of his body clearly matches the determination of his intellect that through telling his story significantly enlarges our understanding of 20th century popular dance." --Dancing Times
"On the crowded dance floor of Harlem's Savoy Ballroom, a nimble young New Yorker named Frankie Manning found his calling. Manning became a swing dancer who helped refine and popularize the Lindy Hop -- that remarkable, airborne style of terpsichorean Americana -- and go on to teach it to eager dancers his grandkids' age. In this good-humored, oral history-style autobiography, Manning covers a jumpin' and jivin' career that won't quit. (The 93-year old dancer recently showed off his classy moves at Seattle's Century Ballroom.) Making "guest appearances" here are many great dancers and musicians from the Swing Era and beyond. And among the many delightful photos is a publicity glossy of star hoofer Bill "Bojangles" Robinson inscribed, 'To Frankie, The Greatest Lindy Hopper of Them All.'" --The Seattle Times
"Assembled from interviews Millman conducted with Manning over 13 years, joins Norma Miller's Swingin' at the Savoy, written with Evette Jensen (also published by Temple, 1996), in recounting how some African American social dances gained international renown...Well-chosen photographs evoke the era and confirm the vibrancy of the dance forms. Appendixes providing a Manning time line, biographical sketches of Lindy hoppers, and a listing of swing dance resources greatly enhance the volume... Summing Up: Recommended." Choice "An engaging narrative with a dose of Linda lore." --Dance Teacher
"The timeline of Frankie's life, great photos, and an extensive listing of swing resources will keep you glued through the last page." --Dance Spirit
"This is an important book for anyone who is interested in lindy hop or the swing era...If you're a lindy hopper, you should own this book!" --Swingjazzblues
"The book serves as an insightful social history of the 20th century and the American vernacular jazz dance - a gem for anyone interested in this history of dance...Manning and Millman's book is not only a gift to the contemporary Lindy Hop scene, but a must-read for all dancers." --Dance Today
"On behalf of all of the Hoofer’s, we thank you and salute you for every moment of truth, love and dedication translated to us all through your art form, your dance. Thank you Frankie Manning. I Love You!" --Savion Glover
"Manning's personality comes across via his vivid descriptions of dance contests, the excitement of choreographing, and the lindy's decline and revival. He also discusses the racism he faced in the U.S. Army during World War II and while on tour...This is an interesting and significant piece of the swing dance record valuable for its oral history. Recommended for academic libraries with dance history collections." --Library Journal
"Sit down with the book and you will feel you've sat down with Frankie in person to hear the wonderful story of his life." --Swing Dancer Magazine
"Manning has aged gracefully in spirit...sounding likeable and constantly refraining from grinding axes or settling scores, in what is a very readable memoir." --j.b. spins
"Frankie Manning has now emerged to share the most informative creative insight to date...sensitively co-written by Cynthia Millman, the book throws new light on broad swathes of original jazz dance practices...FRANKIE MANNING chronicles the dedication, rehearsals, and heard-earned technical virtuosity of a dance form often seen as reckless exuberance. Unlike most writing on the subject, Frankie's detailed acknowledgment of his various Linda partners subtly guides the reader to the dance's reciprocally rhythmic defining character. Frankie's disciplining of his body clearly matches the determination of his intellect that through telling his story significantly enlarges our understanding of 20th century popular dance." --Dancing Times
"On the crowded dance floor of Harlem's Savoy Ballroom, a nimble young New Yorker named Frankie Manning found his calling. Manning became a swing dancer who helped refine and popularize the Lindy Hop -- that remarkable, airborne style of terpsichorean Americana -- and go on to teach it to eager dancers his grandkids' age. In this good-humored, oral history-style autobiography, Manning covers a jumpin' and jivin' career that won't quit. (The 93-year old dancer recently showed off his classy moves at Seattle's Century Ballroom.) Making "guest appearances" here are many great dancers and musicians from the Swing Era and beyond. And among the many delightful photos is a publicity glossy of star hoofer Bill "Bojangles" Robinson inscribed, 'To Frankie, The Greatest Lindy Hopper of Them All.'" --The Seattle Times
"Assembled from interviews Millman conducted with Manning over 13 years, joins Norma Miller's Swingin' at the Savoy, written with Evette Jensen (also published by Temple, 1996), in recounting how some African American social dances gained international renown...Well-chosen photographs evoke the era and confirm the vibrancy of the dance forms. Appendixes providing a Manning time line, biographical sketches of Lindy hoppers, and a listing of swing dance resources greatly enhance the volume... Summing Up: Recommended." Choice "An engaging narrative with a dose of Linda lore." --Dance Teacher
"The timeline of Frankie's life, great photos, and an extensive listing of swing resources will keep you glued through the last page." --Dance Spirit
"This is an important book for anyone who is interested in lindy hop or the swing era...If you're a lindy hopper, you should own this book!" --Swingjazzblues
"The book serves as an insightful social history of the 20th century and the American vernacular jazz dance - a gem for anyone interested in this history of dance...Manning and Millman's book is not only a gift to the contemporary Lindy Hop scene, but a must-read for all dancers." --Dance Today
"On behalf of all of the Hoofer’s, we thank you and salute you for every moment of truth, love and dedication translated to us all through your art form, your dance. Thank you Frankie Manning. I Love You!" --Savion Glover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
23 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
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'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.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By lindylynn
Format:Hardcover
I had the honor of working with Cynthia on editing the manuscript while it was still being formed. You can't even begin to imagine the work, years, love and passion she put has into it...but it shows on every page (painstaking revision after revision after revision to get it just right).
As many times as I have heard Frankie's stories in person, it was still a revelation to read the manuscript..And each re-read it just got better! The book provides chronological insights and the complete story of Frankie's many experiences on and off the dance floor (and yes, in the air!). It's a behind the scene look at a legendary life. It is a must read for swing dancers and a great read for every body else. I can't wait to read it again in bound copy and see all the great photos!!!! Hooray for Cynthia and Frankie!!!!
As many times as I have heard Frankie's stories in person, it was still a revelation to read the manuscript..And each re-read it just got better! The book provides chronological insights and the complete story of Frankie's many experiences on and off the dance floor (and yes, in the air!). It's a behind the scene look at a legendary life. It is a must read for swing dancers and a great read for every body else. I can't wait to read it again in bound copy and see all the great photos!!!! Hooray for Cynthia and Frankie!!!!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Call me enthusiastic, but this is Frankie's story in his own words, therefore it's great.
I just received my copy yesterday, and have been dipping into it slowly, savoring a man - and a spirit - that is to be treasured.
Frankie himself is amazing for his ability to have been fully himself, and to have made his life's most powerful work be the expression of who he is through his art form, the dance.
Yes, it's a treasure-trove of wonderful stories, at which Frankie is a master. And, the value of story-telling is the insights it gives on what it is to be fully human.
I got to know Frankie in London and Sweden, and being able to sit and listen to him is, as Mickey Davidson says, the profound pleasure of sitting at the feet of the Elders. There is much wisdom in this man, as well as much fun. He has, as all great artists do, brought that wisdom, and his soul, into his work. He has, thereby, touched hundreds of thousands - if not millions - of people, dancers and non-dancers.
It looks like Ms. Millman largely made the wise choice to let his words and his story take front and center. If you've heard him tell stories before, you can hear his voice - and his infectious laugh - come through the pages. This book is worth reading for anyone interested in knowing what decency and grace people are truly capable of, no matter what people around them are doing.
If I have a gripe, it is that the end of the book (which talks about the resurgence of Lindy and Frankie in the '80s) does not truly do justice to how profound as well as international Frankie's reach has been. By simply being who he is and doing what he loves and does best, Frankie has been kept increasingly busy traveling around the world - to Australia, Japan, eastern as well as western Europe, throughout Asia - asked to share what he does and what he knows. There's no big celebrity machine grinding out PR and Marketing on him to set up these trips - dancers see or hear about him, are touched in some way by him, and want to know more about what he knows. So they call him up, and ask him to come to an event, and if he has time, you're in his schedule, solid. It's a simple process based on trust - he trusts you to do what you say, and you can count on it that he'll do what he's said.
The picture on page 192 of Frankie dancing with Norma is worth the price of the book in itself, for having captured on Frankie's face the sheer joy that comes from connecting to the music, your partner, your body's capabilities for expressing all that words are inadequate for. Thank you, Cynthia, for getting him out there at long last.
I just received my copy yesterday, and have been dipping into it slowly, savoring a man - and a spirit - that is to be treasured.
Frankie himself is amazing for his ability to have been fully himself, and to have made his life's most powerful work be the expression of who he is through his art form, the dance.
Yes, it's a treasure-trove of wonderful stories, at which Frankie is a master. And, the value of story-telling is the insights it gives on what it is to be fully human.
I got to know Frankie in London and Sweden, and being able to sit and listen to him is, as Mickey Davidson says, the profound pleasure of sitting at the feet of the Elders. There is much wisdom in this man, as well as much fun. He has, as all great artists do, brought that wisdom, and his soul, into his work. He has, thereby, touched hundreds of thousands - if not millions - of people, dancers and non-dancers.
It looks like Ms. Millman largely made the wise choice to let his words and his story take front and center. If you've heard him tell stories before, you can hear his voice - and his infectious laugh - come through the pages. This book is worth reading for anyone interested in knowing what decency and grace people are truly capable of, no matter what people around them are doing.
If I have a gripe, it is that the end of the book (which talks about the resurgence of Lindy and Frankie in the '80s) does not truly do justice to how profound as well as international Frankie's reach has been. By simply being who he is and doing what he loves and does best, Frankie has been kept increasingly busy traveling around the world - to Australia, Japan, eastern as well as western Europe, throughout Asia - asked to share what he does and what he knows. There's no big celebrity machine grinding out PR and Marketing on him to set up these trips - dancers see or hear about him, are touched in some way by him, and want to know more about what he knows. So they call him up, and ask him to come to an event, and if he has time, you're in his schedule, solid. It's a simple process based on trust - he trusts you to do what you say, and you can count on it that he'll do what he's said.
The picture on page 192 of Frankie dancing with Norma is worth the price of the book in itself, for having captured on Frankie's face the sheer joy that comes from connecting to the music, your partner, your body's capabilities for expressing all that words are inadequate for. Thank you, Cynthia, for getting him out there at long last.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent, authentic book from the man who invented down-low lindy hop...
It doesn't get any better than this - excellently written, factual, clear history of the man's life - really fun to read!
Published 4 months ago by Tom Atwater
5.0 out of 5 stars
Every dancer MUST read this!
Certainly, every Lindy Hopper must read this book. But I think it's a beautiful and important book for people outside of the swing dance community too. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Mandi
5.0 out of 5 stars
More than a book about dance
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. Read more
Published on October 10, 2009 by Larry A. Petersen
5.0 out of 5 stars
A historic life on the dancefloor
Great book, of the life of one of the original dancers on the Harlem scene when lindyhop or jitterbug was the main dance craze in the ballrooms. Read more
Published on August 19, 2009 by Fiona Reavley
5.0 out of 5 stars
Must-Read for the Serious Lindy Hopper
This is a quick read (I finished in a week) of one of the last living founders of Lindy Hop and creator of the famous air step in Lindy Hop swing dancing. Read more
Published on January 31, 2009 by dasn0wman
5.0 out of 5 stars
One and a two you know what to do! Get this Book!!
Like all the reviewers here have said, Mannnig is a wonder, a joy, a world treasure. His role in the primary American cultural movement of the 20th century, popular Jazz of the... Read more
Published on October 25, 2008 by keep dancin
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Master of Swing!
If you have not had the chance to meet Frankie in person this is a great way to get to know the man who many swing dancers as myself has grown to love and admire. Read more
Published on October 24, 2007 by Myrna C.
5.0 out of 5 stars
a swing dancing history made by a master
I made personally Frankie Manning and he is a sweet guy. Being myself a swing dancer, I enjoyed reading his unique journey through time. Read more
Published on September 17, 2007 by Philippe B. Leibzig
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love Frankie...Love the Book
If you love dance or swing music read this book. I even had Frankie sign my book at a dance in NYC. Well written and fun....the real deal.
Published on August 27, 2007 by D. Mitchell
5.0 out of 5 stars
Frankie Manning for President!
If you have ever met Frankie Manning then you know that his sheer joy transcends his own physical presence to the point that it can fill a whole room! Read more
Published on August 16, 2007 by Daniel Conner
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