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
Book page
Kiana Stringfield
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 8:46pm
Saturday, January 30, 2016 - 11:10am
Book page
Harry Bowens
Thursday, February 4, 2016 - 8:44pm
Thursday, February 4, 2016 - 8:44pm
Book page
Jade Jerry
Monday, February 1, 2016 - 10:50pm
Monday, February 1, 2016 - 10:52pm
Book page
Chelsea Schetter
Saturday, January 30, 2016 - 10:28am
Saturday, January 30, 2016 - 11:07am
Book page
Five Star Center / Epworth Methodist Church Research
Thursday, January 5, 2017 - 12:25am
Friday, January 6, 2017 - 1:18am
Book page
Atiya El Amin
Tuesday, January 25, 2011 - 12:39am
Tuesday, February 2, 2016 - 4:01pm
Book page
Bios
Sunday, January 16, 2011 - 1:04pm
Monday, February 1, 2016 - 11:31pm
Book page
Chester Whitmore
Tuesday, August 23, 2011 - 9:40pm
Monday, April 20, 2020 - 7:55pm
Event
2005-10-27 - Dance and African-American Music
Thursday, October 13, 2005 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event
Tribute to Chester Whitmore
Tuesday, June 28, 2016 - 9:34am
Tuesday, June 28, 2016 - 9:35am
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.”
