Dancing with Frankie: Margaret Batiuchok

In this series, we ask dancers who knew Frankie to share what they learned from him and what of those teachings they have taken to their students and scene. Margaret shares her memories and her favorite photos and videos of her with Frankie.

How did you meet Frankie?

Margaret and Frankie at Midsummer Night Swing Opening Night in 1989

I had already won the Harvest Moon Ball with George Lloyd when I met Frankie in 1984 during Norma Miller’s Jazz Dancers troupe rehearsals where I was an understudy in her group.  We hit it off and he asked me to perform and teach with him.  We opened Midsummer Night Swing at Lincoln Center the first two years (1989 and 1990) and performed at many other events over the years. At one time Frankie told me I was his favorite partner and asked me to travel with him teaching and performing.

Frankie's note to Margaret on a program: "To Margirita, my favorite dancing partner"

How you are involved in the Lindy hop community?

I teach dance in person and on zoom at danceMB.com, at Lincoln Center and for NYC parks. I am the 1983 Harvest Moon Ball champion with George Lloyd and the cofounder (1985) and president of the New York Swing Dance Society (NYSDS). I also write articles and speak on and arrange panels on Lindy hop.

What did you learn from Frankie?

Frankie gave me advice to never let people speak down to you, stand tall and be proud, and to follow your dreams. Thank you, Frankie ❤

What was something you learned from Frankie that you brought back to your scene?

After he taught me the Shim Sham, I had the idea of doing it en masse at every NYSDS dance. Frankie agreed to lead, and when he was away, I led. My idea blossomed into a worldwide tradition as Frankie traveled and taught the Shim Sham.  (Sing Lim’s interview with Margaret details this further)

Margaret performing with Frankie in 2005 at her induction into the Swing Dance Hall of Fame

When we started the shim sham tradition, we did it with our backs to the band so it was like one performance with the bands for those who were watching. Also, we had used to do the Shim Sham to "Stomping at the Savoy." These days, some people do the Shim Sham facing the band and to the song "Woodchoppers Ball."Any way is fine with me, it just needs a song that fits.

Anything else you'd like us to know?

Now a historical swing reference and collector’s item, my 1988 Master’s thesis, “The Lindy” with accompanying DVDs, featuring footage of my partners Frankie Manning, George Lloyd, Charlie Meade, and Tom Lewis, is at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center or available by purchase on my website.