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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Title
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Event
Archive: The History of Black Dance in America (2011)
Tuesday, January 4, 2011 - 9:45am
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:32pm
Event
2004-06-19 - A Tribute to the Motown Sound
Tuesday, June 1, 2004 - 12:00am
Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:12pm
Event
Opus One Big Band at Rusty's Rhythm Club
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
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Unity Praise Dancers and Company Presents: Ignite The Praise 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm
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Thixotix Runway Dance Fusion
Thursday, August 19, 2010 - 11:10am
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:45pm
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2005-02-25 - Compton Conservatory of Music
Monday, February 28, 2005 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
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Introducing Jessie Mae Robinson
Thursday, October 18, 2018 - 4:09pm
Thursday, October 18, 2018 - 4:09pm
Book page
Rosa Harris
Wednesday, June 10, 2015 - 2:40pm
Thursday, December 27, 2018 - 7:17pm
Book page
Atiya El Amin
Tuesday, January 25, 2011 - 12:39am
Tuesday, February 2, 2016 - 4:01pm
Book page
Bios
Sunday, January 16, 2011 - 1:04pm
Monday, February 1, 2016 - 11:31pm
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