I am gobsmacked.  This has absolutely nothing to do with homelessness, but everything to do with losing a great, beloved man and a personal idol of mine.

Frankie Manning, the legendary Lindy Hopper, performer in many classic films (with Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers) and INVENTOR of aerials/airsteps, died this morning of complications of pneumonia.

I’m so embarrassed to say this, but I’m actually tearing up right now.  As a former performing swing dancer, I have wanted to meet and dance with this man for YEARS.  Last year I missed my chance at a workshop with him, but I was positive this was gonna be the year.  Now I will never have the chance.

Frankie danced up to his death – he was to turn 95 years old in one month.  It was my ambition to find some way to attend his 95th birthday celebration and be able to say that I met and danced with a living legend.  He was such an inspiration, raw energy personified, and completely funny, charming, and brilliant – I know this from the testimonials of fellow swing dancers who met him, and from his autobiography, which I bought last year and DEVOURED.  I couldn’t put it down.  He lived a magnificent life, and he lived it to the fullest.

The world has lost so much today.

*sniffle*