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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Swing Revival and Black Folks
Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 10:58pm
Monday, December 31, 2007 - 6:11pm
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African-American Contribution to Theatrical Dance
Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 10:33pm
Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 2:09am
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Savoy Ballroom: A place where African Americans Shined
Monday, July 9, 2007 - 12:27pm
Monday, December 31, 2007 - 6:04pm
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Footage of Adele Astaire
Friday, June 27, 2008 - 1:42am
Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 1:37am
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What is Lindy Hop?
Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 11:00pm
Monday, December 31, 2007 - 6:03pm
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History of the History of Black Dance
Sunday, September 25, 2011 - 11:37am
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Basic page
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
Basic page
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
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