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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Basic page
Front Page
Monday, June 23, 2008 - 2:10pm
Monday, June 23, 2008 - 2:10pm
Basic page
Mission Statement
Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 11:51am
Tuesday, August 2, 2016 - 10:13pm
Basic page
Central Avenue Dance Ensemble Bios (Old)
Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 11:31am
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 - 12:03am
Basic page
Essence of Swing I: Beginning Lindy Hop with Chester Whitmore
Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 9:38pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Basic page
CADE - Chester's Message
Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 9:29pm
Monday, August 22, 2016 - 7:01pm
Basic page
Sharp as a Tack lyrics
Wednesday, February 13, 2008 - 11:49pm
Wednesday, February 13, 2008 - 11:55pm
Video
Killing Myself
Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:48pm
Thursday, January 11, 2018 - 12:56am
Video Embed
Urban Roundtable TV Interview
Monday, February 21, 2011 - 12:22am
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed
Lucky Numbers (Nicholas Brothers)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Video Embed
MaDonna Grimes
Wednesday, December 23, 2015 - 7:29am
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:37pm
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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.”
