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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Vernacular Jazz Workshop
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:13pm
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:13pm
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Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm
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Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm
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RonAndXia 15
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:05pm
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:05pm
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ChesterTaps 8
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:02pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:02pm
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ShimSham 68
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:42pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:42pm
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Video thumbnail for Parker Walk Fundamentals: Embrace and Walking
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 6:13pm
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 6:13pm
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Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:58pm
Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:58pm
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Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm
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RonAndXia 68
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:17pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:17pm
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