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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PraiseDancePerformance050529 018_0011
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm
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PraiseDancePerformance050529 017_0009
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm
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Paul at Swinging in the Hood
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm
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Rosa, Toni, Alison and Reggie at "Swinging in the Hood" - Feb/Mar 2005
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:32pm
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Felicia and Toni
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:31pm
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Millie (my old Salsa Partner, now into Step) at "Swinging in the Hood" - circa Feb/Mar 2005
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:30pm
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Chester Leads Opus One Big Band at "Swinging in the Hood" - circa Feb/Mar 2005
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:58pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:30pm
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Chanda Lear and her Baby Boo at "Swinging in the Hood" - circa Feb/Mar 2005
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:29pm
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Percy at "Swinging in the Hood" - Circa Feb/Mar 2005
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:28pm
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Ron and Toni at "Swinging with the Stars" in Phoenix, AZ - Feb 2005
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:27pm
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