Encinitas and Pasadena, CA have formal Lindy Hop instruction and keep it alive. I decided to learn from the master of Savoy Style Lindy Hop. My teacher is oldtimer Frankie Manning and his protege Erin Stevens in Pasadena, CA.The Pasadena Dance Catalog has three instructional videos/CDs by Mr. Manning and Ms. Stevens. This is vintage Lindy Hop with Mr. Manning instructing fresh moves that he learned several days ago, say around 1935. For those of you who are not familiar with Mr. Manning, he is 91, still dancing strong, and one of the original Lindy Hoppers from the Savoy in Harlem, 1940s. He frequented the Cats Corner of the Savoy only reserved for the best dancers. The Savoy occupied an entire city block at the time. Although the years have slowed his agility somehat, Mr. Manning's natural movements and intuitive style are marvelous. Lindy Hop Savoy style will never die with videos/CDs like this. There is a short clip of Mr. Manning dancing in his youth. It is on the Internet and entitled Hellzapoppin. The clip tells the whole story of why Mr. Manning is a great Lindy Hopper. Ms. Stevens is also a highly qualified instructor and the Steven's sisters should be lauded for facilitating bringing Mr. Manning out of retirement.Mr. Manning and the Steven's sisters share equal stature in my opinion for their contribution to promoting Lindy Hop.
