Scholar Report 2026: Candice Michelle Franklin-Cox

I would like to formally thank the Frankie Foundation for providing the resources to travel to Camp Jitterbug 2026, May 24-27 in Seattle with Al Minn's Next Generation Project.  Not only was Camp Jitterbug a wonderful opportunity to take advanced classes in Lindy Hop and hone my technique with other wonderful dancers, but also a transformative experience that allowed me time to connect more closely with legendary lindy hopper luminaries Ms. Sugar Sullivan, Ms. Barbara Billups, and Mr. Chester Whitmore. 

One highlight in class, I was asked to be the demonstrator for Ms. Sugar Sullivan and Ms. Barbara Billups throughout the teaching of "The Stops." That was fun and allowed me to help other dancers attending the camp by clearly showing the step and breaking it down.

While working with Chester Whitmore, I was able to learn from him directly a cool variation of the Tranky Doo for live performance as well as create new choreography alongside him for a trick combo that got rave applause!  I also got to work closely in performance with members of Whitmore’s L.A. Swing Dance Posse.  Most importantly, I got to discuss with Whitmore plans for including Lindy Hop in my MFA studies at Sarah Lawrence College through classic routine reconstructions, designing companion educational materials, and creating new music and variations of these routines.

Going forward, I left inspired and excited to return to New York City and help keep Lindy Hop alive with my dance partner and Frankie Manning Ambassador, Samuel Coleman.  This year, we're prioritizing teaching at predominantly African American dance schools to work with promising dance students on Lindy Hop, and at institutions such as senior centers and adult organizations that serve the African American community.

I am also continuing to teach Lindy Hop, give talks, and deliver PowerPoint lectures at jazz intensives such as the Joffrey Ballet School New York City Dance Intensives, the Beantown Lindy Hop Swing Dance Camp in Boston, and the Uprooted Teachers Dance Intensive in Greensboro, North Carolina.  I am also actively recruiting African American dance teachers with connections to HBCUs to add Lindy Hop programs to their dance programs and jazz band curriculums, as well as create awareness and develop competitive team programs, mixer opportunities, and new traditions through fraternities, sororities, and alumni chapters.

All in all, thanks again for the wonderful opportunity and beautiful honor to represent Frankie Manning Foundation and the Al Minn's Next Generation for this project, and, hopefully, for many years to come.

With great gratitude... Very truly yours,

Candice Michelle Franklin

FMF Scholar Candice Michelle Franklin-Cox with Barbara Billups and Sugar Sullivan

Candice Michelle Franklin-Cox with Chester Whitmore