Ryan Francois is a swing dancer, choreographer and actor, who played a central part of the revival of the Lindy Hop . Specialising in dances related to the Jazz & Swing era - including the Lindy Hop, Charleston, Tap and Authentic Vernacular Jazz, Ryan has over 30 years dance experience. Ryan learned from and danced with

Frankie Manning Frank Manning (May 26, 1914 – April 27, 2009) was an American dancer, instructor, and choreographer. Manning is considered one of the founders of Lindy Hop, an energetic form of the jazz dance style known as swing. Biography Manning was b ...

as well as

Pepsi Bethel Alfred "Pepsi" Bethel (August 31, 1918, Greensboro, North Carolina – August 30, 2002, New York City) was a jazz dancer, choreographer, and leader of his own dance troupe, the Pepsi Bethel Authentic Jazz Dance Theater, which he founded in 1960.T ...

, George Lloyd and Mama Lu Parks.

Biography

Choreography for the UK TV shows: * ''

Strictly Come Dancing ''Strictly Come Dancing'' (informally known as ''Strictly'') is a British dance contest show in which celebrities partner with professional dancers to compete in mainly ballroom and Latin dance. Each couple is scored by a panel of usually 4 ...

'' * ''So You Think You Can Dance'' (UK Series 1) * ''So You Think You Can Dance'' (UK Series 2) Founder and artistic director of the dance companies: Swing X-Treme and Zoots and Spangles. Choreographed the swing dance Jitterbug Stroll (1992). Appeared in the musical ''

Swing! ''Swing!'' is a musical conceived by Paul Kelly with music by various artists. It celebrates the music of the Swing era of jazz (1930s–1946), including many well-known tunes by artists like Duke Ellington, William "Count" Basie, Benny Goodma ...

'' by Paul Kelly. Co-choreographer for
Feelin In The Mood
' musical.

Movies

* Malcolm X * Idlewild * Swing Kids * The Polar Express * Lackawanna Blues * Shore Leave

Awards

Twice winner of the U.S. Open and American Swing Dance Champion. Nominated for a

Tony Award The Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Broadway Theatre, more commonly known as the Tony Award, recognizes excellence in live Broadway theatre. The awards are presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League at an annual cer ...

on Broadway.

References

External links

* *
Biography
ryanfrancois.com

The Real Harlem Globetrotters, TEDxAlbertopolis tedxtalks.ted.com

Ryan Francois Gives TEDx Talk on Lindy Hop History

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