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 date
Video Embed	Norma Miller and the Congeroos in Duke Ellington's Hot Chocolate	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm	Sunday, September 27, 2015 - 6:18pm
Video Embed	Groovie Movie	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm	Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:42pm
Video Embed	Savoy Ballroom Foxtrot	Wednesday, February 10, 2010 - 12:37am	Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed	Essence of Swing I: Footwork: Steppin in Time	Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 10:00pm	Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed	Chester Does Tap, Ballet, Soft Shoe, and Conducts the Band at the Same Time	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm	Monday, April 30, 2018 - 3:57pm
Video Embed	Ain't Nothin' Like The Real Thing	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm	Sunday, September 27, 2015 - 6:13pm
Video Embed	The Central Ave Cotillion Dance Ensemble	Sunday, December 6, 2009 - 3:31pm	Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed	From Swing To Steppin: A Very Brief History of Swing	Friday, August 21, 2009 - 1:50am	Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed	Kirk Dances at His Benefit (Swinging All Day)	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Video Embed	Central Avenue Dance Ensemble Promotional Video	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm