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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Chester Whitmore in Detroit for tap and jazz
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
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Dance Fusion Fundraiser Dance
Monday, August 8, 2016 - 5:47pm
Saturday, September 10, 2016 - 6:54pm
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Tap Basics | Chester's 8 wk SERIES!
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:06pm
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:06pm
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Archive: The History of Black Dance in America (2012)
Monday, April 27, 2015 - 3:37pm
Tuesday, July 21, 2015 - 2:36pm
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2005-01-28 - 17th Annual International Association of Blacks In Dance Conference
Wednesday, February 2, 2005 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
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Xanadu Sing-Along
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 1:14pm
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CentralAveDance at The 5th Annual Uview Media Group Honor Awards 2018
Tuesday, June 19, 2018 - 8:15pm
Tuesday, June 19, 2018 - 8:18pm
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Chester Whitmore and the Central Ave Dance Ensemble perform at Barbara Morrison's Juneteenth Show
Tuesday, June 1, 2010 - 1:48pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:24pm
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The Masters of Lindy Hop and Tap
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
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The History of Black Dance in America - Black History Month 2016
Monday, December 28, 2015 - 10:34pm
Tuesday, March 8, 2016 - 8:24pm
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