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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Holiday for Swing (Performance)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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Rock On!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Saturday, September 26, 2015 - 4:03pm
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The History of Black Dance in America - Promo 2012
Thursday, February 18, 2016 - 6:40pm
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:38pm
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1929 Smooth Foxtrot by Carsani & Lennard
Monday, November 2, 2009 - 4:00pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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Leap Frog (Vintage)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
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Blacks in Ballroom (God Bless The Child)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Sunday, January 23, 2011 - 3:16pm
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Norma Miller's Trickeration
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 10:51am
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:40pm
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Gotta Dance - Frankie95 Time Square Dance
Thursday, August 20, 2009 - 12:25pm
Thursday, April 23, 2015 - 11:43pm
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West Coast Swing (The Beginning)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
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Absolute Beginner's Guide to Swing
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 6:25pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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