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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Event
Norma Miller 99th Birthday Bash
Sunday, November 18, 2018 - 11:28am
Thursday, December 27, 2018 - 6:35pm
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Introducing Jessie Mae Robinson
Thursday, October 18, 2018 - 4:09pm
Thursday, October 18, 2018 - 4:09pm
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CentralAveDance at The 5th Annual Uview Media Group Honor Awards 2018
Tuesday, June 19, 2018 - 8:15pm
Tuesday, June 19, 2018 - 8:18pm
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Vernacular Jazz Workshop
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:15pm
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:15pm
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Vernacular Jazz Workshop
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:14pm
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:14pm
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Vernacular Jazz Workshop
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:13pm
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:13pm
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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
Event
Norma Miller Honored at 30th Annual IABD Conference
Monday, November 27, 2017 - 12:07pm
Monday, February 26, 2018 - 11:49am
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Ain't That Something to Shout About
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Wednesday, January 31, 2018 - 1:24am
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Kirk's Get Well Video
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Wednesday, January 31, 2018 - 1:19am
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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.”
