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 descending Title Post date Updated/commented date
Event The Masters of Lindy Hop and Tap Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Image RonAndGwen 12 Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:02pm Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:02pm
Image DSC_4280 Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm Thursday, March 10, 2016 - 6:24pm
Image SwingArizonaTrip 00149 Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 10:00pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 10:00pm
Image ChesterTaps 8 Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:02pm Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:02pm
Image DSC_4363 Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm
Image RonAndXia 68 Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:17pm Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:17pm
Image _E8F4611 Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:19pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:19pm
Image RonAndGwen 42 Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:04pm Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:04pm
Image DSC_4312 Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm

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