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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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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Swing Revival and Black Folks
Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 10:58pm
Monday, December 31, 2007 - 6:11pm
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African-American Contribution to Theatrical Dance
Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 10:33pm
Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 2:09am
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Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm
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ShimSham 4
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
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SwingArizonaTrip 00101
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:58pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:58pm
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Salvador And Gwen
Friday, October 1, 2010 - 5:48pm
Friday, October 1, 2010 - 5:48pm
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ChesterTaps 20
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:02pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:02pm
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Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm
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RonAndXia 42
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:16pm
Thursday, March 17, 2016 - 7:28pm
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