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:

Type	Title	Post date	Updated/commented date
Event	The History of Black Dance in America (2015) - Friday	Monday, April 27, 2015 - 4:26pm	Tuesday, November 24, 2015 - 2:43pm
Event	The History of Black Dance in America (2015) - Saturday	Monday, April 27, 2015 - 4:27pm	Tuesday, November 24, 2015 - 2:43pm
Event	The History of Black Dance in America (2015) - Sunday	Monday, April 27, 2015 - 4:28pm	Tuesday, November 24, 2015 - 2:42pm
Video Embed	Norma Miller and the Congeroos in Duke Ellington's Hot Chocolate	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm	Sunday, September 27, 2015 - 6:18pm
Video Embed	Chicago Style Step - Chester Whitmore Style	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm	Sunday, September 27, 2015 - 6:16pm
Video Embed	Ain't Nothin' Like The Real Thing	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm	Sunday, September 27, 2015 - 6:13pm
Video Embed	Rock On!	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm	Saturday, September 26, 2015 - 4:03pm
Video Embed	Waltz: Anya and Danny	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm	Saturday, September 26, 2015 - 3:58pm
Video Embed	The Kissing Bandit	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:31pm	Saturday, September 26, 2015 - 3:54pm
Event	Archive: The History of Black Dance in America (2011)	Tuesday, January 4, 2011 - 9:45am	Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:32pm