Central Ave Dance Ensemble
Primary tabs
The Central Avenue Dance Ensemble
The Central Avenue Dance Ensemble is a multi-aged performance group led by Chester Whitmore. Our mission is to perpetuate and promote American Vernacular dances of the 20th Century. These dances include: American street dances such as Leonard Reed’s Shim Sham Shimmy, the Shorty George, the Charleston (1920s) and the Lindy Hop (1920s - 40s). These are in addition to dances derived from them like the Chicago Bop (1960s) which begat Steppin’ (1990s). We aim to show the connections between dance forms from generation to generation and their connection to music and cabaret; to show how American vernacular dances were influenced by African dance and were shaped by spirituality and slavery (liturgical dance) as well as were molded by rhythm and music (tap dance and Salsa). We aim to express the infectious healing qualities of dance, to educate audiences and to spread the joy of dance.
Recent Content:
Type
Title
Post date
Updated/commented date
Image
ShimSham 10
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Image
RonAndXia 11
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:04pm
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:04pm
Image
SwingArizonaTrip 00084
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm
Image
DSC_4287
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm
Image
PraiseDancePerformance050529 018_0010
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm
Image
ShimSham 22
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Image
RonAndXia 25
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:05pm
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:05pm
Image
DSC_4370
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm
Image
ShimSham 47
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Image
SwingArizonaTrip 00104
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:58pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:58pm
Pages
