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:

Type	Title	Post date	Updated/commented date
Basic page	Essence of Swing I: Beginning Lindy Hop with Chester Whitmore	Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 9:38pm	Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed	From Swing To Steppin: Beginning Chicago Style Step Dance Course	Sunday, August 23, 2009 - 12:11pm	Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed	From Swing To Steppin: Partnering: Basic Lead and Follow	Saturday, August 22, 2009 - 10:00pm	Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed	From Swing To Steppin: Introduction	Friday, August 21, 2009 - 7:51am	Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed	From Swing To Steppin: A Very Brief History of Swing	Friday, August 21, 2009 - 1:50am	Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed	Gotta Dance - Frankie95 Time Square Dance	Thursday, August 20, 2009 - 12:25pm	Thursday, April 23, 2015 - 11:43pm
Image	Video thumbnail for "Gotta Dance" - Frankie95 Time Square Dance	Thursday, August 20, 2009 - 12:25pm	Thursday, August 20, 2009 - 12:25pm
Video Embed	The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady (Charles Mingus)	Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 10:04pm	Thursday, April 23, 2015 - 11:29pm
Image	Video thumbnail for The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady	Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 10:04pm	Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 10:04pm
Video Embed	Parker Walk Fundamentals	Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 9:21pm	Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm