Perth Swing Dance Society

Frankie Manning:
Ambassador of Lindy Hop
by Frankie Manning and Cynthia R. Millman

In the early days of swing dancing, Frankie Manning stood out for his moves and his innovative routines; he created the "air step" in the Lindy hop, a dance that took the U.S. and then the world by storm. In this fascinating autobiography, the choreographer and Tony Award winner (Black and Blue) Frankie Manning recalls how his first years of dancing as a teenager at Harlem's Savoy Ballroom led to his becoming chief choreographer and a lead dancer for "Whitey's Lindy Hoppers," a group that appeared on Broadway, in Hollywood musicals, and on stages around the globe. Manning brings the Swing Era vividly back to life with his recollections of the crowded ballrooms, and of Lindy hoppers trying to outdo each other in spectacular performances. His memories of the many headliners and film stars, as well as uncelebrated dancers with whom he shared the stage, create a unique portrait of an era in which African American performers enjoyed the spotlight if not a star's prerogatives and salary.

With co-author Cynthia R. Millman, Manning traces the evolution of swing dancing from its early days in Harlem through the post-World War II period, until it was eclipsed by rock 'n' roll and then disco. When swing made a comeback, Manning's 30-year hiatus ended. He has been performing, choreographing, and teaching ever since.

Swinging At The Savoy
The Memoir of a Jazz Dancer
by Norma Miller, Evette Jensen

In this volume, dancer, award-winning choreographer, show producer, stand-up comedienne, TV/film actress and author Norma Miller shares her historical memoir of Harlem's legendary Savoy Ballroom and the phenomenal music and dance craze that spread the power of swing across the world. A dance contest winner by the age of 14, Norma Miller became a member of Herbert White's Lindy Hoppers and a celebrated Savoy Ballroom Lindy Hop champion. This memoir chronicles a significant period in American cultural history and race relations, as it glorifies the home of Lindy Hop and the birthplace of memorable dance hall fads. Miller shares anecdotes about her youthful encounters with many of the greatest jazz legends in music history, including Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Billie Holiday, Artie Shaw, Duke Ellington, Ethel Waters, and even boxer Joe Louis.

The Swing Book

The Swing Book is an energetic primer of all things swing. Originating in 1920s Harlem and popularized by stars like Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey, swing exploded across America, until rock 'n' roll replaced the big band sound. But ten years ago a revival took root in San Francisco, snowballing into today's national resurgence. The Swing Book presents the complete history of swing music and dancing, then and now. It covers all the important artists, with a guide to the best albums; the coolest places to take classes and go dancing, city by city; the style of swing, with where to shop and what to look for; all the lingo; and even step charts to learn the moves. The Swing Book is a complete guide to swing, from back in the day to today's new scene-everything you need to know about what to listen to, where to dance, how to dress, and how to move. From the Lindy to the Charleston, from zoot suits to fedoras, from East Coast style to West, if it swings, it's in here

Swing : Third Ear - The Essential Listening Companion
by Scott Yanow

Written by one of jazz journalism's best and most knowledgeable critics, this book explores the full swing spectrum from its origins in the 1920s through its current retro resurgence. Features intriguing capsule biographies of 400 of the best musicians, from classic artists like Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman to retro swingers such as the Brian Setzer Orchestra and Lavay Smith and the Red Hot Skillet Lickers, with each artist's most notable CDs reviewed and rated, plus info on film appearances, books, and hard-to-find recordings. Includes insightful essays that explore this music's cultural impact, fun photos and swing memorabilia.

1940s Hairstyles
by Daniela Turudich

Essential to re-creating an authentic 1940s look, this resource guide to period styles covers everything from short hairdos popular in the early 1940s to the late 1940s "cut to fit" look made popular by Christian Dior. Hundreds of vintage illustrations, photographs, and diagrams accompany detailed instructions and techniques for replicating the styles of the decade. Fun facts and trivia related to the hairstyles of the time are included, as is a look at "War Time" hair and regulations brought about by the government. Comprehensive lists of the beauty tools needed to create these hairdos, where to purchase the various hard-to-find items discussed, and hairstyles based on hair length and type are all included for those interested in revisiting the period beauty of the 1940s.

Vintage Face
by Angela Bjork, Daniela Turudich

Exploring different makeup techniques and practices from the looks of the 1920s through the 1950s, this guide to creating authentic period faces offers instructions on how to simulate each look, from the curve of the lips to the arch of the eyebrow. Filled with photographs of famous starlets and icons such as Louise Brooks, Greta Garbo, Rita Hayworth, and Audrey Hepburn, as well as complete instructions for re-creating each star's look. This indispensable reference for creating vintage beauty and glamour explains how to achieve everything from bee-stung lips to the perfect Marilyn Monroe mole. Included are period color charts for powder, rouge, lip color, eyeshadow, and nail polish that can be taken to any beauty counter for comparison and color matching to get an authentic look.