Frankie Manning, American dancer and choreographer (born May 26, 1914, Jacksonville, Fla.—died April 27, 2009, New York, N.Y.), became so enthralled with the lindy hop (a precursor of the jitterbug) that he devoted himself to choreographing new steps and routines for the fast-paced acrobatic swing dance. His innovations include the Slide-Through (in which a man slips his partner through his legs from front to back) and the Over-the-Back (the first aerial or airstep, in which a woman is powerfully propelled through the air by her partner in time with the music), as well as slow-motion segments, stop-action freezes, and dancing more horizontally to the floor. He incorporated moves from circus performers, gymnasts, and other dancers, and the theatrical aspects of his routines made the dance hugely popular. After polishing his dance steps as a teen at Harlem’s Alhambra Ballroom, Manning eventually moved in 1933 to the Savoy Ballroom, where he became a favourite. The following year Herbert (“Whitey”) White invited Manning to join his professional troupe. Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers, for which Manning created the choreography, appeared in Europe, South America, and Australia; at the 1939 New York World’s Fair; and in a series of films, including Hellzapoppin’ and Hot Chocolates, both in 1941. After military service in World War II, Manning founded the Congaroo Dancers, but the popularity of the lindy hop waned, and in 1954 he took a job in the U.S. Post Office. In the 1980s Manning’s musical career enjoyed a resurgence with renewed interest in swing dancing. He became a sought-after teacher and choreographer for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre (1989), the television movie Stompin’ at the Savoy (1992), and the Broadway play Black and Blue (1988), for which he shared a Tony Award. He continued performing well into his 80s. Despite his death, the documentary Frankie Manning: Never Stop Swinging premiered at festivities planned for his 95th birthday.