Central Ave Dance Ensemble

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: 

Typesort ascending Title Post date Updated/commented date
Image DSC_4369 Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm
Image RonAndGwen 10 Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:02pm Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:02pm
Image ShimSham 46 Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Image SwingArizonaTrip 00079 Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm
Image RonAndXia 52 Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:17pm Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:17pm
Image DSC_4318 Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm
Image SwingArizonaTrip 00057 Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:15pm Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:15pm
Image ShimSham 2 Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Image RonAndGwen 40 Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:04pm Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:04pm
Image ShimSham 75 Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:42pm Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:42pm

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