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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Article
Reginald Thornton
Wednesday, June 9, 2010 - 4:58pm
Thursday, July 21, 2016 - 9:19am
Basic page
Mission Statement
Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 11:51am
Tuesday, August 2, 2016 - 10:13pm
Video Embed
HBDA 2012
Friday, April 20, 2012 - 1:57am
Thursday, August 4, 2016 - 6:59pm
Event
The History of Black Dance in America Photo Exhibition and Fundraiser
Wednesday, February 24, 2016 - 4:23pm
Wednesday, August 17, 2016 - 3:24pm
Basic page
CADE - Chester's Message
Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 9:29pm
Monday, August 22, 2016 - 7:01pm
Event
Birth of Swing
Saturday, September 10, 2016 - 6:41pm
Saturday, September 10, 2016 - 6:41pm
Event
Dance Fusion Fundraiser Dance
Monday, August 8, 2016 - 5:47pm
Saturday, September 10, 2016 - 6:54pm
Event
2005-02-18 - Swingin In The Hood
Friday, February 18, 2005 - 12:00am
Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:01pm
Event
2005-05-20: Swinging InThe Hood
Saturday, April 30, 2005 - 12:00am
Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:09pm
Event
2004-06-19 - A Tribute to the Motown Sound
Tuesday, June 1, 2004 - 12:00am
Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:12pm
Pages
Central Avenue Dance Ensemble
“One of the benefits of knowledge is that it is portable: Anything you learn you take with you wherever you go for the rest of your life.”
-Paul Thornhill
Chester Whitmore’s Message
“My approach to dance is life itself, places people and things that have happened in our lifetime and creating dance forms for the audience about feelings, emotions in life 
that they may have overlooked. In addition, I want my dances to purely entertain as well as educate. At this stage in my career, I still have much to contribute to the world of dance as a performer, instructor, choreographer and educator. While I possess many years of experience in all of these areas, and as a music historian, musician and composer, I endeavor endlessly to further develop my skills and share them with others.”
