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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Motor City Jam 2007 - Chester and Cheryl Dancing
Saturday, October 6, 2007 - 4:10am
Monday, November 12, 2007 - 2:27pm
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Contact
Tuesday, May 7, 2019 - 11:24pm
Tuesday, May 7, 2019 - 11:25pm
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About Us
Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 11:37am
Monday, January 18, 2016 - 2:28pm
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Beginning Argentine Tango: Volume I
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 2:56pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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Front Page
Monday, June 23, 2008 - 2:10pm
Monday, June 23, 2008 - 2:10pm
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Mission Statement
Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 11:51am
Tuesday, August 2, 2016 - 10:13pm
Video
Killing Myself
Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:48pm
Thursday, January 11, 2018 - 12:56am
Video Embed
Norma Miller Performs with Chazz Young at Masters of Tap and Swing
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
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Essence of Swing I: Introduction
Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 10:33pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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Pride And Joy Promo Reel
Friday, December 25, 2009 - 11:44pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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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.”
