Looking through the old clips (MPEGS/movies) of Lindy Hoppers, I see alot of Frankie Manning and Norma Miller and the rest of Whitey's Lindy Hoppers doing incredible aerials and moves. And Dean Collins shows up alot (along with Jewell McGowan) doing some absolutely amazing stuff as well.

Then I keep hearing names like Jonathon Bixby & Sylvia Sykes, Steven Mitchell, and Ryan Francois pop up nowadays as being top notch.

I was curious to know who people think were (or are) the great Lindy Hop dancers? For whatever time period. For whatever style of Lindy Hop?

I am assuming that Frankie is considered the all time king, hands down, with respect to Twistmouth and Shorty George.

But what about nowadays as well? Anyone got any opinions?

that's an easy one.

ME ;)

lenny smith is the shizzy..
i respect all those dancers you named.

nocturne,
Pardon the ignorance, but who is Lenny? Is he from Sac?

Lenny Smith was an old skool dancer. i liked his style the best, even though they said every time he danced he was high on all sorts of drugs.
look on natch.net for video clips of him. he is the boss-est.

Lenny and his wife are the shorter couple in the Groove Movie. (His wife's the blonde). They're awesome.

i kinda look like him...when i dress vintage.
at least that is what i have been told.
B)

Hmmm...this is a hard one, I would say, at the moment, out of present dancers Marty Lau and Jen Urich are one of my favs, their bal is amazing and so is their lindy.

Harrison

I guess out of the folks here in the bay area, i'd have to say Calvin has to be near the top of any list for me.

It looks like he incorporates 3 or 4 different styles of dance in one.

Greatest Lindy Hoppers... damn, that's a toughie.

For starters, it's very hard and controversial to define "great."

Look great
There are those who just LOOK amazing no matter what they're dancing to or who they're dancing with.
Example: Jennifer Balderama. With her ballet background, broad smile, and super styling, she's great fun to watch.

Feel great
Some folks may look less flashy, but have the most incredibly solid and comfortable lead in the world.
Example: Chad Kubo. Every follow I know that has danced with him raves about his lead. And I've seen him lead the most absolute-beginners and make them totally shine.

Act great
There are those who make you feel like a million bucks when you're dancing with them. A combination of natural warmth, well-placed and sincere compliments, and general friendliness does the trick.
Example: Brandee Selck. Any leads that haven't danced with her... you're missing out. One other guy I know that took private lessons lessons with her marveled, "It's like therapy. I go in depressed and I come out feeling good."

Interpret great
Musicality. Some folks have it, some don't. The folks that REALLY have it are able to play with both their partners and their own bodies in a way that complements the music without being a boring 'slave' to the breaks.
Example: The Donnelly Brothers, Elliot and Owen. These two make Lindy fun by entertaining their partners (and onlookers) with creative yet leadable interpretations of the music.

---

So, given all this, Randy, I find it hard if not impossible to pin a label of All Time Great(s) on folks, given the diverse aspects of 'greatness.' In particular, I think it'd be disingenuous to give such praise to someone my friends and I have never danced with. After all, I think we've all experienced "amazing" dancers who look fab on the dance floor but can't lead/follow worth a damn. Or who can't seem to smile. Or who are so arrogant that they make dancing with them a DISpleasure.

Greatness is subjective and complex. Personally, I think all of us must find 'greatness' within ourselves and those we connect most tightly with. :)

- Adam, who has found greatness -- and lack thereof -- sometimes in the most unexpected places

And technique and showmanship have to be considered as well, I think. And might 'number of years dancing' come into play, too?

It would be interesting to know which lindy hoppers are considered some of the best in their respective cities.

I keep hearing Steven Mitchell is probably the best lindy hopper, and has been for quite some time. I recall someone telling me that Frankie Manning has said that, but I can't confirm that.

Regarding Brandee Selck; I've heard many newbies talk about how friendly and supportive she is.
She is the 'queen of the smiles'. :D I'm a HUGE fan of hers.