Central Ave Dance Ensemble
Primary tabs
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
Image
RonAndXia 24
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:05pm
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:05pm
Image
DSC_4288
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm
Image
Chanda Lear and her Baby Boo at "Swinging in the Hood" - circa Feb/Mar 2005
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:29pm
Image
Salvador And Gwen
Friday, October 1, 2010 - 5:48pm
Friday, October 1, 2010 - 5:48pm
Image
_MG_2451
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:19pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:19pm
Image
ShimSham 41
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Image
ShimSham 48
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Image
SwingArizonaTrip 00084
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm
Image
ChesterTaps 22
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:02pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:02pm
Image
RonAndXia 44
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:16pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:16pm
Pages