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:
Type
Title
Post date
Updated/commented date
Event
2004-09-04 African Marketplace
Saturday, September 4, 2004 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event
Tap Basics | Chester's 8 wk SERIES!
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:06pm
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:06pm
Event
The History of Black Dance in America (2015) - Friday
Monday, April 27, 2015 - 4:26pm
Tuesday, November 24, 2015 - 2:43pm
Event
Archive: The History of Black Dance in America (2011)
Tuesday, January 4, 2011 - 9:45am
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:32pm
Event
2005-05-29 - Praise God In Dance
Monday, May 30, 2005 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event
2005-04-22 - Swinging In The Hood
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
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Introducing Jessie Mae Robinson
Thursday, October 18, 2018 - 4:09pm
Thursday, October 18, 2018 - 4:09pm
Event
Thixotix Runway Dance Fusion
Thursday, August 19, 2010 - 11:10am
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:45pm
Event
2004-01-20 - Hollywood Park Casino 'Jazz Cool Down' Featuring Linda Hopkins
Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
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Tribute to Chester Whitmore
Tuesday, June 28, 2016 - 9:34am
Tuesday, June 28, 2016 - 9:35am
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