Central Ave Dance Ensemble
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The Central Avenue Dance Ensemble
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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Chanda Lear and her Baby Boo at "Swinging in the Hood" - circa Feb/Mar 2005
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:29pm
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Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm
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RonAndXia 92
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:17pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:17pm
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ShimSham 48
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
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Salvador And Gwen
Friday, October 1, 2010 - 5:48pm
Friday, October 1, 2010 - 5:48pm
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SwingArizonaTrip 00084
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm
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Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm
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SwingArizonaTrip 00059
Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:15pm
Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:15pm
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ChesterTaps 31
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:02pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:02pm
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ShimSham 77
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:42pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:42pm
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