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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Essence of Swing I: Footwork: Steppin in Time
Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 10:00pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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The Central Ave Cotillion Dance Ensemble
Sunday, December 6, 2009 - 3:31pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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From Swing To Steppin: A Very Brief History of Swing
Friday, August 21, 2009 - 1:50am
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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Foxtrot from 1920s
Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 12:26pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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Parker Walk Fundamentals
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 9:21pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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A FOXTROT Mr Maxwell Stewart and Miss Barbara Miles demonstrate their fox-trot.
Monday, November 2, 2009 - 4:00pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Basic page
Beginning Argentine Tango: Volume I
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 2:56pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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Parker Walk Fundamentals: Embrace and Walking
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 6:13pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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Absolute Beginner's Guide to Swing: Volume V
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 6:15pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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History of the History of Black Dance
Sunday, September 25, 2011 - 11:37am
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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