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.
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From Jitterbug to Bop
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
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Kirk Dances at His Benefit (Swinging All Day)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
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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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Lucky Numbers (Nicholas Brothers)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
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Central Avenue Dance Ensemble Video - Maxwell's in the Argyle Hotel, March 2004
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
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The Kissing Bandit
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:31pm
Saturday, September 26, 2015 - 3:54pm
Event
Unity Praise Dancers and Company Presents: Ignite The Praise 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm
Event
Dunham Tradition
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm
Event
Dunham Tradition
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm
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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.”
