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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Event
Tribute to Sam Cooke
Saturday, May 13, 2017 - 10:40pm
Monday, May 22, 2017 - 11:22pm
Event
Unity Praise Dancers and Company Presents: Ignite The Praise 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm
Video Embed
Urban Roundtable TV Interview
Monday, February 21, 2011 - 12:22am
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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Use It or Lose It: Dancing Makes You Smarter
Tuesday, February 20, 2007 - 3:35pm
Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 2:57am
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Vernacular Jazz Workshop
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:14pm
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:14pm
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Vernacular Jazz Workshop
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:15pm
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:15pm
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Vernacular Jazz Workshop
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:13pm
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:13pm
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Video thumbnail for "Gotta Dance" - Frankie95 Time Square Dance
Thursday, August 20, 2009 - 12:25pm
Thursday, August 20, 2009 - 12:25pm
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Video thumbnail for Parker Walk Fundamentals
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 9:21pm
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 10:08pm
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Video thumbnail for Parker Walk Fundamentals: Connection
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 5:03pm
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 9:40pm
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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.”