The Frankie Manning Foundation

The Frankie Manning Foundation

Continuing Frankie’s mission of spreading joy through lindy hop.

The Mission

The mission of the Frankie Manning Lindy Hop Legacy Fund is to carry on the work and the spirit of Frankie Manning in spreading the joy of Lindy Hop, danced to big band swing music, throughout the world.

The Vision (“In our wildest dreams…”)

The Lindy Hop will be danced all over the world to live big band music. Everywhere that Lindy Hop is danced, on the dance floors and off, people of diverse backgrounds will treat each other with respect and warmth. The history of Frankie Manning and the originators of the Lindy Hop at the Savoy Ballroom will be well known to dancers and non-dancers everywhere.

The Values

In accordance with Manning’s own values, and those of the Savoy Ballroom where the dance got its start, the fund seeks to promote projects which are grounded in unity and collaboration, and which enable people of all different backgrounds to participate in this joyous dance.

Like Frankie Manning himself, we value:

  • Having fun dancing the Lindy Hop
  • Historic authenticity in Lindy Hop dancing and music
  • Improvisation and continued innovation
  • Close relationship between the music and the dance
  • Maintaining a true community among dancers
  • Mutual respect and cooperation
  • Inclusivity (diverse backgrounds: geographic, ethnic, socio-economic, age, ability, etc.)
  • Outreach and welcome to newcomers
  • Excellence, which can be encouraged through friendly competition
  • Continuing Frankie’s mission of spreading joy through lindy hop

PROPOSED PROJECTS OF THE FOUNDATION

EVENTS

  • Publicizing events around world memorializing FM, especially on his birthday
  • Facilitating Frankie100 celebration in 2014

NETWORKING

  • College Clubs
  • African-Americans in Lindy Hop
  • People working with K-12 age
  • Online forums, such as starting scenes; working w kids
  • Regional sub organization

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMING (K-12)

  • School based or not
  • Support, information in getting funding, involving parents, curriculum content, etc.
  • Perhaps video of successful program(s) to help others

SPREADING LINDY HOP ‘ROUND

  • Facilitating publicity
  • Support for documentaries
  • Support for new scenes

FUNDRAISING

SCHOLARSHIPS

ARCHIVES

Frankie Manning Memorabilia

Frankie Manning Video Collection of Revival

Contact us at frankie@savoystyle.com to volunteer, share ideas or donate funds

Under the auspices of the Houston Swing Dance Society, a 501C3 non-profit organization