Ambassador Weiming Zeng

Lindy Hop is flourishing in a number of cities in China thanks to the good work of Weiming Zeng and Beijing Lindy Hop

Zeng in the Air (2018) by Tamara PincoFrankie Manning Foundation

Lindy Hop in Beijing, China

"Through teaching the dance, the music, the culture, and the history, I work to create an environment where more Chinese dancers can find the inspiration to live life to the fullest, as I was once inspired by the Lindy Hoppers before me."

The Pavilion at Far East Square (2018-05-26) by Andrew Lin YikaiFrankie Manning Foundation

The Global Lindy Hop Community

"The Lindy Hoppers of Beijing taught me to dance, to study English, to become more aware of the possibilities in the world. They inspired in me the desire to see more of the world, and to help more people."

Dance Party by Li-Hsien LimFrankie Manning Foundation

Keeping Lindy Hop a Fun Dance

"After training at Herrang, I began to work with other Chinese teachers on devising courses that make Lindy Hop more accessible to native dancers while keeping its core spirit."

The MusicFrankie Manning Foundation

Making Music that Swings

"There are many outstanding jazz musicians in China; however, most of them can’t play swing music. After a jazz musician in Shanghai began taking Lindy Hop classes and said, 'Oh, now I finally know what swing feels like.' Swing music appears simple, but it takes a lot of understanding and heart to play."

Swingtime Ball Poster (2018-11) by Pegamind StudioFrankie Manning Foundation

"Beijing’s annual dance event Swingtime Ball is the result of my team’s perseverance. It presents what we think Lindy Hop culture and community culture is."

Swing Time Ball Opening Show, Tuan Tuan, 2018-11-09, From the collection of: Frankie Manning Foundation
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Swingtime Ball Attendees (2018-11-09/2018-11-11) by Zeng WeimingFrankie Manning Foundation

Lindy Hop is Getting Big in China

"I am proud that more and more dancers in China are willing to devote their time, effort, and their whole bodies and minds to Lindy Hop. "

Ambassador of Lindy Hop (2007) by Frankie Manning and Cynthia MillmanFrankie Manning Foundation

Frankie Manning's Autobiography

"We are translating the Frankie Manning autobiography to Chinese! My friends and I have wanted to do this project for years. When I was chosen as an Ambassador, I was able to receive lots of help to make my dream come true. Due to language barriers, there are many dancers who don’t have access to this part of dance history, and even more people who are unaware of Lindy Hop. We hope that the forthcoming Chinese version of Frankie Manning’s autobiography will become a new way to spread Lindy Hop and the spirit of Frankie and the Savoy. 

Zeng and Beibel (2017) by Wang XinFrankie Manning Foundation

Zeng's Advice to New Dancers

"Study the music, sing out its rhythms, let the music enter your life."

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