Central Ave Dance Ensemble
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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:
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Basic page
Central Avenue Dance Ensemble Bios (Old)
Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 11:31am
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 - 12:03am
Basic page
Essence of Swing I: Beginning Lindy Hop with Chester Whitmore
Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 9:38pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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CADE - Chester's Message
Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 9:29pm
Monday, August 22, 2016 - 7:01pm
Basic page
Sharp as a Tack lyrics
Wednesday, February 13, 2008 - 11:49pm
Wednesday, February 13, 2008 - 11:55pm
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Motor City Jam 2007 - Chester and Cheryl Dancing
Saturday, October 6, 2007 - 4:10am
Monday, November 12, 2007 - 2:27pm
Basic page
Contact
Tuesday, May 7, 2019 - 11:24pm
Tuesday, May 7, 2019 - 11:25pm
Video
Killing Myself
Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:48pm
Thursday, January 11, 2018 - 12:56am
Video Embed
Savoy Ballroom Foxtrot
Wednesday, February 10, 2010 - 12:37am
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed
Groovie Movie
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:42pm
Video Embed
Chester Does Tap, Ballet, Soft Shoe, and Conducts the Band at the Same Time
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 3:57pm
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