Number 3 in the Gazette chart

Frankie Manning at the Savoy Ballroom

Name: Frankie Manning at the Savoy Ballroom
Description: Rare footage said to show Frankie Manning dancing at the Savoy Ballroom, the Harlem venue where Lindy Hop developed. Manning is widely credited with inventing the first air step and shaping the dance's smooth, gliding style. The title itself hedges on the date, so treat the exact year as uncertain.

Frankie Manning dancing Lindy Hop at the Savoy (Late 1930s?) – video still

Dancers: Frankie Manning · Savoy Ballroom, Harlem · Lindy Hop · On YouTube from Robert White · YouTube title: “Frankie Manning dancing Lindy Hop at the Savoy (Late 1930s?)”

Rare footage said to show Frankie Manning dancing at the Savoy Ballroom, the Harlem venue where Lindy Hop developed. Manning is widely credited with inventing the first air step and shaping the dance's smooth, gliding style. The title itself hedges on the date, so treat the exact year as uncertain. Watch the relaxed upper body, the low centre of gravity and how he leads his partner through fast swing-outs without any visible effort. A precious glimpse of the dance as a social form.

Inspired? Find a Lindy Hop class near you or read how to do the swingout.