Central Ave Dance Ensemble

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: 

Typesort descending Title Post date Updated/commented date
Basic page Essence of Swing I: Beginning Lindy Hop with Chester Whitmore Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 9:38pm 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
Basic page About Us Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 11:37am Monday, January 18, 2016 - 2:28pm
Video Killing Myself Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:48pm Thursday, January 11, 2018 - 12:56am
Video Embed Toni's Greatest Hits Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:01pm
Video Embed What is Urban Ballroom Tuesday, September 6, 2016 - 2:56pm Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:39pm
Video Embed A FOXTROT Mr Maxwell Stewart and Miss Barbara Miles demonstrate their fox-trot. Monday, November 2, 2009 - 4:00pm Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm

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