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:
Type
Title
Post date
Updated/commented date
Video Embed
Beginning Argentine Tango
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 11:12am
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Book page
Beatriz Vasquez
Friday, January 21, 2011 - 11:58am
Thursday, March 11, 2021 - 3:30pm
Video Embed
Basic Eight-Count Step
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 2:00pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Link
Ballroom Dance (definition)
Wednesday, November 21, 2007 - 12:47pm
Wednesday, November 21, 2007 - 12:47pm
Link
Ballin' The Jack
Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 10:38pm
Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 2:10am
Video Embed
Baby, Work Out!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Video Embed
Baby It's Cold Outside
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:45pm
Book page
Atiya El Amin
Tuesday, January 25, 2011 - 12:39am
Tuesday, February 2, 2016 - 4:01pm
Link
Arm Tone
Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 10:35pm
Monday, December 31, 2007 - 6:27pm
Event
Archive: The Origins of Black Dance (2014)
Monday, April 27, 2015 - 3:33pm
Tuesday, July 21, 2015 - 2:39pm
Pages