The Frankie Manning Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of Frankie Manning, one of the most influential figures in the history of Lindy Hop. Frankie, born on May 26, 1914, in Jacksonville, Florida, was a dancer, choreographer, performer, and instructor renowned for his innovation and leadership within the Lindy Hop community.  Widely regarded as the "Ambassador of Lindy Hop," Frankie played a crucial role in elevating and globalizing this Harlem-born dance.

After relocating to Harlem as a young child with his mother, in his teens Frankie started social dancing in local ballrooms.  From those early experiences to performing at the Savoy Ballroom with the legendary Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers, he became a pivotal figure in the development and global spread of Lindy Hop.  He is credited with groundbreaking contributions to the dance, including the creation of the Lindy air step and the synchronized ensemble Lindy routine—innovations that helped propel Lindy Hop from ballroom to stage and screen.

Frankie’s influence reached far beyond the dance floor. He performed for the King and Queen of England, toured with Count Basie, Chick Webb, and Duke Ellington, and appeared in and choreographed Hollywood films. He visited South Africa, fulfilling a lifelong dream to connect with his African heritage, and danced with young dancers in Soweto and Johannesburg. In 1989, he won a Tony Award for his choreography in the Broadway musical Black and Blue.  Even today Frankie Manning’s impact continues to inspire and resonate with dancers and audiences worldwide.

The idea for the Frankie Manning Foundation emerged during the planning of Frankie’s 95th Birthday Festival while Frankie was still alive. The festival’s goal was to bring the global Lindy Hop community together to celebrate Frankie’s life and legacy, while promoting the music and dance that he cherished. The Festival organizers—Elliott Donnelly, David Jacoby, Tena Morales, Buddy Steves, and the Frankie 95 Team—decided that any revenue exceeding expenses would be allocated to a fund to support the promotion of Lindy Hop worldwide. In the months before his passing, Frankie became aware of this initiative and endorsed the establishment of the fund in his name.

Vision of The Frankie Manning Foundation

The Frankie Manning Foundation envisions a world where the original creators of Lindy Hop are recognized and celebrated by both dancers and non-dancers alike. The sharing of a rich Black history, culture, and values that are integral to Lindy Hop and other authentic jazz dances will be preserved and shared for future generations. The foundation strives for Lindy Hop to be danced worldwide to live big band music, with Black Lindy Hoppers respected, valued, and well-represented in the global community. They will play a central role in the ongoing preservation, growth, and evolution of this cultural art form.

Wherever Lindy Hop is danced—on the floor and off—people from all backgrounds will treat each other with respect, kindness, and warmth. The Lindy Hop community will foster inclusive spaces, free from all forms of systemic oppression, including racism, sexism, ageism, genderism, ableism, and homophobia. Frankie Manning’s vision of Lindy Hop as a force for equitable and positive change, both personally and socially, will be realized.

Mission of The Frankie Manning Foundation 

The mission of the Frankie Manning Foundation is to continue Frankie Manning's work and spirit in spreading the culture and joy of Lindy Hop. To fulfill its mission, the Foundation focuses on three core pillars:

1. Ensuring the Stories of Frankie Manning and the Savoy Ballroom Are Appropriately Preserved and Presented

   • Hosting panel discussions on Frankie Manning and the Savoy Ballroom 

   • Preserving Frankie’s personal collection of significant memorabilia and artifacts in research institutions, cultural centers, and libraries

   • Establishing and maintaining video archives
     

2. Building, Connecting, and Supporting the Lindy Hop Community

   • Supporting programs for youth, Black dancers, international dancers, and developing communities

   • Raising funds for elders and community needs 

   • Hosting, co-hosting, and supporting events and celebrations 

   • Presenting panels, talks, and media  
     

3. Preserving and Presenting the Full History of Lindy Hop

   • Supporting cultural and academic research

   • Backing documentary films, articles, and books

   • Preserving memorabilia

The Foundation is fiscally sponsored by the Houston Swing Dance Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity, and its operations are overseen by an independent advisory board, which helps guide its mission and activities. The Frankie Manning Foundation plays an essential role in preserving and sharing the stories of Frankie Manning and the Savoy Ballroom, while connecting and supporting the Lindy Hop community and safeguarding the complete history of Lindy Hop.

Current Board Members:
LaTasha Barnes, Elliott Donnelley, Julia Loving, Cynthia Millman, Judy Pritchett, Buddy Steves, Chazz Young.

Past Board Members:
Mandi Gould, Tena Morales-Armstrong, and Marie N'diaye.

For more information about Frankie Manning, the Frankie Manning Foundation, the FMF Scholars Program, or how to donate, please visit the Foundation’s website at https://www.frankiemanningfoundation.org/.