Frankie Manning, the legendary city dancer who helped 
create the Lindy Hop in the 1930s, died early this morning of complications from pneumonia.
He was a month away from his 95th birthday, for which friends had been planning a party and tribute.
Manning, who was hospitalized 10 days ago, had been suffering physical problems since he took a fall last year.
Until then, he had remained an active dancer and had told friends he was looking forward to dancing at next month's party. There was no immediate announcement this morning on whether FrankieFest ‘95, scheduled for May 21-25 with dancing competitions, music and instruction, will continue as a memorial tribute.
Manning and his partner Fredi Washington are credited with developing the Lindy Hop's first "aerial" step in a 1935 competition at the Savoy Ballroom.
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