TRANKY DOO - Nils and Bianca

This routine is called Tranky Doo and it is said to have been created by Frankie Manning as he mentions in his book (Frankie Manning: Ambassador of Lindy Hop). The version that we got inspiration from is the one from the Spirit Moves which is danced by Albert Minns, Pepsi Bethel and Leon James. You can also watch Thomas “Tops“ Lee and Wilda Crawford doing the routine to the song “Broadway“ by Henry Woods and his orchestra. Thomas “Tops“ Lee and Wilda Wilder Crawford were members of the Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers and won the Harvest Moon Ball in 1940. More about the Spirit Moves where the Tranky Doo routine that inspired us come from: The Spirit Moves A History of Black Social Dance on Film, 1900–1986 is a documentary film by Mura Dehn chronicling the evolution of African-American social dance throughout most of the 20th century.