He entered the room with a sheepish smile and walked slowly down to the wooden dance floor. The crowd murmured, recognizing him. He reached the stage and applied the headset microphone with care and scanned his audience. Then, in that deep booming voice of his, he asked how everyone is doing tonight.
This is Frankie Manning, a 92-year-old swing dance legend – a veteran of the 1930’s Harlem dance halls and a Tony award-winning dance instructor.
In the Agate Hall auditorium Thursday evening, Manning split about 40 people by their gender – men on one side facing the women on the other – and asked them to look across the dance floor. The men clapped for the women, and when he asked the women if they thought the men were beautiful, they answered a wavering yes.
Manning shook his head and said, “Damn, then y’all need some glasses.”
From there, Manning surveyed the crowd to understand their level. He taught the basics, clapping his hands to the beat and counting off to keep everyone in time.
“Just watch and listen,” he commanded.
Denise Steele, the coordinator of the event, glided over to his side. Together, the couple performed the 8-step routine he had just taught the crowd. As he moved, his eyes lit up and a huge grin spread across his face. The bright lights shone down on his skin and his whole torso moved with each step, his footwork demonstrating his knowledge of tap, jazz and swing.
Manning then had the crowd try the routine themselves. He cued the music and a strong sax and piano piece blared over the dancers.
“You don’t feel this?” he asked, losing himself in the jazz for a minute. His eyes shut and he let his hips sway gently to the beat.
As the evening waned, the flow was more natural and everyone seemed comfortable. The same women who were unsure of themselves an hour earlier were now sassy and quick. The men were bolder, twirling the women harder, pulling them closer.
After two blissful hours, Manning genuinely thanked the audience. They, in turn, applauded and cheered until Manning squirmed at so much attention.
Born in 1914, Manning quickly realized his passion for dance, specifically the Lindy Hop. In 1935, Manning was chosen to join Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers, a group of professional swing dancers selected from the fabled Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, New York City. For the next 28 years, Manning dazzled crowds across Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
In 1954, Manning settled down and concentrated on raising a family. He worked for the U.S. Postal service until the 1980s when two students contacted Manning in the hope that he would teach them the elements of dance. Initially, Manning said no. But soon he saw how passionate the two students were, the heart and soul they put into the dance. He agreed to help them with their moves. He has been back into the swing of dancing ever since. He even won a Tony Award for choreography for the Broadway musical Black and Blue. For this man, it’s hard to stay away.
Manning says the number one reason he’s still dancing is because he still has a passion for it.
“And, I’m able to,” he added, chuckling. Not only did Manning think he wouldn’t be dancing this long, but, “I never thought I’d be around this long,” he said.