Yes, indeed.

Frankie Manning passed away on 27th April 2009.

I don't know how to do tributes, but I'll like to say that I've been very privileged to be in the same room as him at least twice, to be taught by him in a class, to be part of everyone on the dance floor and Frankie calling out the Shim Sham. Somehow, you feel more like a lindyhopper when you're in the presence of one of the founding fathers of Lindy Hop. Pretty duh, I guess!

Learning the Lindy Hop, I loved to learn about the history. After all, the important thing was the basics, which dates back to the beginning! I wondered what it was like in places like the Savoy Ballroom and Cotton Club. Even in pictures, we see them as mono-coloured images; it's not enough. In our family trip to USA last year, my only personal must-go-must-see place was the plaque at the old site of the Savoy Ballroom. Yeah I know, it's only a plaque, and an empty yard but.. I've been there.

I found this excerpt. I loved what Frankie said about hearing swing music and feeling the urge to up and dance!

"From a Lindy hopper's point of view, it can be a little frustrating to sit and listen to a swinging band. ... If I hear some music that's really swinging, boy, it just gets into me!"

Yes, indeed.