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 datesort ascending
Event Chester Whitmore "Lord of the Swing" Teaches Weekly Swing Class in February Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:28am Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:46pm
Event Chester Whitmore "Lord of the Swing" Teaches Weekly Swing Class in February Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:25am Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:29am
Event Chester Whitmore "Lord of the Swing" Teaches Weekly Swing Class in February Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:26am Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:27am
Event Chester Whitmore "Lord of the Swing" Teaches Weekly Swing Class Tuesday, October 8, 2019 - 5:02pm Tuesday, October 8, 2019 - 5:02pm
Event CADE at the Central Avenue Jazz Festival Sunday, July 21, 2019 - 4:20pm Sunday, July 21, 2019 - 4:35pm
Event History of Central Avenue, Session II Sunday, November 18, 2018 - 11:17am Friday, June 7, 2019 - 10:11am
Basic page Contact Tuesday, May 7, 2019 - 11:24pm Tuesday, May 7, 2019 - 11:25pm
Book page Principals Thursday, December 27, 2018 - 7:22pm Thursday, December 27, 2018 - 7:22pm
Book page Rosa Harris Wednesday, June 10, 2015 - 2:40pm Thursday, December 27, 2018 - 7:17pm
Event Lord of the Swing - Ford Theater Saturday, September 10, 2016 - 6:32pm Thursday, December 27, 2018 - 6:35pm

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