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:
Type
Title
Post date
Updated/commented date
Video Embed
A Brief History of the Black Roots of Argentine Tango
Saturday, March 5, 2011 - 8:16am
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Book page
Ron Parker (alt)
Saturday, July 30, 2011 - 1:12pm
Thursday, July 21, 2016 - 9:15am
Book page
Chester Whitmore
Tuesday, August 23, 2011 - 9:40pm
Monday, April 20, 2020 - 7:55pm
Link
History of the History of Black Dance
Sunday, September 25, 2011 - 11:37am
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Event
CADE Performs at USA Dance LA Halloween Ball
Saturday, November 19, 2011 - 1:58pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:26pm
Event
CADE performs at 2nd Annual Tango On The Streets
Saturday, November 19, 2011 - 2:02pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:25pm
Video Embed
HBDA 2012
Friday, April 20, 2012 - 1:57am
Thursday, August 4, 2016 - 6:59pm
Event
Archive: The Origins of Black Dance (2014)
Monday, April 27, 2015 - 3:33pm
Tuesday, July 21, 2015 - 2:39pm
Event
Archive: The History of Black Dance in America (2012)
Monday, April 27, 2015 - 3:37pm
Tuesday, July 21, 2015 - 2:36pm
Event
The History of Black Dance in America (2015) - Friday
Monday, April 27, 2015 - 4:26pm
Tuesday, November 24, 2015 - 2:43pm
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