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: 

Typesort descending Title Post date Updated/commented date
Image RonAndXia 48 Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:16pm Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:16pm
Image SwingArizonaTrip 00135 Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm
Image DSC_4356 Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm
Image RonAndGwen 9 Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:04pm Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:04pm
Image ShimSham 16 Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Image DSC_4290 Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm
Image SwingingInTheHood050318 00009 Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:58pm Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:58pm
Image Percy Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:59pm Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 1:22pm
Image _MG_2532 Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:20pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:20pm
Image RonAndXia 86 Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:17pm Thursday, March 10, 2016 - 6:58pm

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