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
Ron Parker
Monday, June 7, 2010 - 3:42pm
Tuesday, July 20, 2021 - 2:26pm
Article
Choreography for 2010 Dance: "God Bless The Child"
Friday, June 15, 2007 - 11:33am
Wednesday, June 20, 2007 - 2:14pm
Article
Reginald Thornton
Wednesday, June 9, 2010 - 4:58pm
Thursday, July 21, 2016 - 9:19am
Blog entry
You Never Know Who You're Dancing Dancing With
Monday, August 4, 2008 - 2:01pm
Monday, August 4, 2008 - 2:01pm
Blog entry
Do I have a Degree in Dance?
Monday, January 21, 2008 - 2:22pm
Monday, January 21, 2008 - 2:22pm
Blog entry
Cuban Motion in Poinciana Choreography
Monday, January 7, 2008 - 5:37am
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Blog entry
Lack of Etiquette in the Salsa Crowd
Saturday, August 2, 2008 - 11:14am
Saturday, August 2, 2008 - 11:44am
Blog entry
"Swing" Music at the US Swing Open?
Wednesday, November 28, 2007 - 1:11am
Monday, December 24, 2007 - 12:17pm
Book page
Rosa Harris
Wednesday, June 10, 2015 - 2:40pm
Thursday, December 27, 2018 - 7:17pm
Book page
Daigo Koide
Friday, February 5, 2016 - 5:39pm
Friday, February 5, 2016 - 5:39pm
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.”
