Swivells is a brand that tries to reach every person out there who is looking for some comfort and color in their life. We have to admit however that a big part of the Swivells’ fandom comes from the Lindy Hop scene. No need to talk about the slide-y soles, I have unforgivably mentioned them way too many times; besides this article is not about the shoes per se. But it is about an important mission that Swivells are hoping to be of a small aid.

You might have noticed on the website the logo of the Frankie Manning Foundation. And you may have - justifiably- wondered: what might that be?

 

Frankie Manning Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 2009. Named after Frankie Manning, one of the most famous and loved authentic Lindy Hop dancers, the Foundation aims to spread the history and heritage of Lindy Hop, while also spark off and share the love for this dance. Their main focus lies on the African-American community and especially children and young people.

There is a great goal represented by the Frankie Manning Foundation. Lindy hop is not anymore the social dance that it has originally been and, admittedly, you need quite a budget in order to keep up with the trends. Attending festivals globally, all the dancing equipment, the classes. Doesn’t sound like something that everybody can afford to keep up with, right? There comes the Foundation; offering “ambassador scholarships”, youth programs, the FMF enables people to travel around, take classes with international teachers, get inspired and inspire.

Their website states it clearly; in their values, inclusivity, community, mutual respect, cooperation are in the spotlight. And let’s be clear about it, every sort of culture needs to include and operate according to these values. Even more when it comes to Lindy Hop, an African American dance, drenched in history and heritage. The FMF is offering a safe space and opportunities for people from all sorts of different backgrounds, no matter the age, the colour, the income, gender or sexual orientation.

Again, you might wonder. What does that have to do with me? I’m just browsing to look at shoes.

Shoes are amazing and all and we indeed love them, but we love even more these values. The openness, the support, the inclusivity. Everything changes around us but representing and grasping on these values is the least we can do to preserve some kindness, to create a better place not only for our surroundings, but also for us.

The Frankie Manning Foundation is just an example of non-profit organizations with such missions. And as a non-profit, in order to keep on with its great and grave vision, it needs the people’s support and donations. If you are not necessarily interested in Lindy Hop, a little search on the web will give you an organization that stands for the values of something that you feel strong for. Reach out for these people that are trying to create a better place. Take a stand and offer your help, as much as you can, for something that represents you. Because in the end, if we don’t stand for your values, what is our purpose?