The weekend of April 4-5, 1998, 83 year old lindy hop great Frankie Manning visited Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. With him he brought dance historian Lance Beneshek, swing dance instructor Cindy Geiger, and young professional dancer Mickey Davidson. Friday April 4 we had an interview with Frankie, and that evening the group gave a presentation on the history of swing dancing in film. They followed with a demonstration, fueling the fire for dance classes the following day. Throughout Saturday, April 5, the community was treated to lessons in swing, concluding the night with a fantastic swing dance featuring the Rick Brunetto Big Band, from Columbus. Enjoy our photo gallery!

Quite a character . . .

Frankie Manning April 4, 1998 Rosse Hall, Kenyon College

Still going strong at 83!

Frankie and friends get down in a shim-sham demonstration.

Kenyon students enjoy morning lessons with Frankie