I’m off on my next big adventure to NYC tomorrow for the big Swing Dancing (Lindy Hop) event Frankie 100-Celebrating the life and legacy of Frankie Manning. I’m all packed, printed off my schedule and danced a few solo Charleston steps in the kitchen..I’m ready to dance my feet off!

While I’m off dancing I thought I would share some vintage Lindy Hop clips to get you in the spirit as well. To learn about the HISTORY of this Black Dance please visit HERE.

Now in the words of Frankie Manning “One, two, you know what to do”

Vintage Lindy Hop Videos

1930s-1940s

Hellzapoppin’-1941

Many people consider Hellzapoppin’ the greatest single Lindy Hop performance of all time. Frankie was in charge of putting the routine together, and mentioned in his autobiography that the dancers worked extra hard for this performance, practicing even longer hours than usual to perfect it. His autobiography also has a long section of anecdotes regarding the process and filming. First couple: William Downes and Francis “Mickey” Jones; 2nd, Norma Miller and Billy Ricker; 3rd, Al Minns and Willamae Ricker; 4th, Frankie Manning and Ann Johnson. Dean Collins also does a dance in this film to the song “Watch the Birdie.” (The sequences, however, were shot on different days, and arguably the two most significant figures in Lindy Hop Leading — Frankie Manning and Dean Collins — never met.) (Source)

Frankie Manning Dancing at the Savoy Ballroom-1930s

It’s very rare for us to have social dancing footage of the original dancers in the original swing era. We are lucky to have a few brief seconds of Frankie Manning dancing with a partner in a crowded Savoy ballroom from what is probably the late 1930s. Whether or not its social dancing is hard to say, as he very well might have realized there was a camera filming him, and changed his dancing because of it. Still, though, it’s great to see a young Frankie Manning in a suit, in his element. It’s only a few tiny seconds, but at least we have that much (Source).

Jitterbug History featuring Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers-1942

This short was filmed in 1940 (though not released till 1942) and near the end you can see the Whitey’s. It’s also the same group of dancers who did Hellzapoppin’. Note that this clip has extremely slow dancing compared to the other Whitey’s Lindy Hop performance footage. William Downes and Mickey Jones first, Norma Miller and Billy Ricker second, Willamae Ricker and Al Minns third, and Frankie Manning and Ann Johnson forth (Source).

Buck Privates with Dean Collins and Jewel McGowan-1941

Swing Fever-1944

Jean Veloz (Jeanne Phelps) is featured here dancing with Don Gallager & Lenny Smith in this delightful number “One Girl and Two Boys,” sung by Marilyn Maxwell with Kay Kyser’s band.

Groovie Movie-1944

Jimmy Dorsey playing One O’Clock Jump. Dancers – Charles “Chuck/Gossomer” Saggau, Arthur Walsh, Lenny Smith, Kay Smith, Jeanne Phelps Veloz, Irene Thomas.

Don’t Knock the Rock-1956

(As a fan of 1950s Rock n Roll, this clip is a real favorite of mine). Band: Bill Haley & His Comets with a slew of Los Angeles swing dancers, including: Gil & Nikki Brady, Freda Angela Wyckoff, Lenny Smith, and Joe Lanza.

Have a great week and weekend! Keep on Swinging!

Share in the comments section below what your favourite video was.

FURTHER READING: Collection of Vintage Blog Posts on Swing Dance & The Big Band Era

Liz 🙂

As the big Lindy Hop weekend in NYC (and around the world) “Frankie 100” in honour of Frankie Manning quickly approaches (May 22nd it starts), I’m looking at my wardrobe and trying to decide what I will be bringing for each of the nights of dancing (there are 5 nights). I need outfits that are good for dancing but also showcase my love of Vintage and Reproduction of the late 1930s and 1940s.

I have lots of options as I have been collecting for a few years now but when I’m undecided I usually like to turn to magazines, books and the internet (like Pinterest) for inspiration.

So lets see what real life dancers from the 1930s and 1940s would have worn on the dance floor because just like some of my outfits not all of the clothes are conducive for a night of dancing.

Note: for a much more detailed post on 1940s fashion please check out a past post I did on What to wear Swing Dancing.

ALSO, you can wear whatever you want to a Lindy Hop dance. I’m only offering up ideas if you wish to dress in clothing that was representative of the era.

Shopping links at the end!

What to Wear Lindy Hopping…..

The 1930s & 1940s Real-Life Vintage Images

The dress looks perfect for dancing (lots of movement) and it is also gorgeous with its matching hairscarf.

FURTHER READING: Learn all about 1940s hair accessories like the hairscarf HERE).

1940s vintage photo of a woman in a 1940s floral dress and matching hairscarf dancing the lindy hop with a soldier at a dance.

Here is Frankie Manning, looking very dapper in his suit. I love the shoes on his partner, they look fantastic for dancing.

1940s vintage photo of Frankie Manning and dance doing the lindy hop.

What I love about late 1930s and 1940s dresses is the ability to move easily in them, like in this picture. BTW..I love the trio to the right.

1940s vintage photo of a group of people dancing the Lindy hop at a show. They are wearing 1940s fashions.

Frankie Manning & Ann Johnson. Her jumper is something you see often on the dance floor especially with competition groups. I have seen longer versions that are very nice for dancing.

1940s vintage photo of Frankie Manning & Ann Johnson doing an Aerial move from the Lindy Hop

Here is a good example of the Jumpers again in this image from the Movie “Groovie Movie“. The Wedges are awesome!

1940s vintage photo of Lindy hoppers in 1940s uniforms and 1940s fashions including 1940s wedges for the movie "Groovie Movie".

Jean Veloz simple blouse and skirt (actually it could be a dress) is another example of a simple piece that looks lovely and can be danced in. Rays suit is 1940s style to the max.

Jean Veloz 1940s vintage swing dancer / 1940s lindy hopper dancing with her brother in 1940s fashions.

Sometimes simple pants and a simple top are all you need to get your dance on. 1930s maybe 1940s photo of a couple dancing at a Juke Joint.

1930s/ 1940s vintage photo of a Black man and Black Woman at a Juke Joint dancing the blues or Lindy Hopper.

Swivel skirts (A line, circle) are really fun to wear as you can see on these ladies. The gentlemen are looking very handsome in their suit jacket, cardigan and dress pants combinations.

1940s vintage photo of Lindy Hoppers / Jitterbug dancers in 1940s fashions dancing.

Now that is a swivel dress!

1940s vintage photo of a woman doing a spin in a 1940s dress showing off her nylons. She has a cute bow in 1940s hair.

Every outfit seen in this picture would be a good choice for dancing. Now the jackets might possibly get in the way or get hot on the ladies but those can always be removed as needed.

1940s vintage photo of a couple dancing the Lindy Hop / Swing Dance / Jitterbug doing an aerial on the dance floor. 1940s fashions on display.

When your “Trucking” you should be wearing the cutest swing dresses on the planet! And with some gentlemen in uniform as your accessories.

1942 jitterbug dancers in 1940s dresses and their dance partners are in WW2 uniforms.

I have a very similar vintage dress to the one worn here and it’s marvelous to dance in.

Further Reading: 1940s Floral Dresses-Understated Elegance

1940s vintage photo of a movie star in 1940s floral dress making a young soldier swoon after meeting her at a swing dance.

If sitting around look like fashion plates is your thing at the dance, then take a cue from these well dressed ladies of the 1940s. Style to the max!

1940s vintage photo of women sitting down at a dance in 1940s dresses, 1940s shoes and 1940s hairstyles.

Well I think I have enough ideas to start packing my suitcase. I hope to get some pictures from the Frankie 100 event (May 22nd-26th) because I’m sure there will be lots and lots of wonderfully dressed men and woman so stay tuned for a future blog post. You can also follow me on Instagram to see instant images as they happen, like my outfits and the venues etc.

Vintage Shopping & Reproduction Shopping for Lindy Hop Outfits…

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Shop here for vintage clothing & reproduction clothing

FURTHER READING: