The History of Lindy Hop (now satire-free)

Okay, less foolin' this time. Here's a documentary circa 1980s, featuring many of the dancers of (I assume) the New York area of the time. It's definitely Harlem-focused, but Harlem is awesome. So it all works out.

They're Still Doing the Lindy Hop?

Global Shim Sham

In honor of the late Frankie Manning, the organizers of the Frankie95 event planned for folks around the world to record and share the Shim Sham to compile into one short video. Here are the results:

Frankie95 footage

I'll be attending Frankie Manning's Memorial service this morning, but thought it would be good to post some footage from last night's party. I wasn't there, but it looks like it will be fun tonight.

Here's the first jam circle of the weekend.

Frankie Manning - get well soon!

Lindy Hop legend Frankie Manning has been hospitalized. Frankie can be viewed elsewhere in this blog in the dance clip from Hellzapoppin', in which he danced one of the most memorable and influential routines of all time.


Here is a re-post of an email sent by the organizers of the upcoming Frankie 95 event. That's the event celebrating Frankie's 95th birthday later this month.

Dear Friends of Frankie,

As you might have heard, Frankie entered the hospital a week and a half ago, due to problems with his medication. Then on Friday, he was taken into the intensive care unit after he developed pneumonia. It is a very serious situation.

Although he cannot talk or move his limbs, he recognizes people and responds to their messages of caring and love. Throughout all of this, his spirit remains strong and his family and close friends are with him.

Please take some time during your day to send Frankie healing energy, prayers and love, and tell everyone you know to do the same. You can also send him a personal note of encouragement here:

Frankie Manning, PO Box 737648 , Elmhurst NY 11373

Frankie needs our support!

Of course, we will keep you all updated as his condition changes.

The Frankie 95 Team