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 datesort ascending 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
Image Video thumbnail for "Gotta Dance" - Frankie95 Time Square Dance Thursday, August 20, 2009 - 12:25pm Thursday, August 20, 2009 - 12:25pm
Video Embed Gotta Dance - Frankie95 Time Square Dance Thursday, August 20, 2009 - 12:25pm Thursday, April 23, 2015 - 11:43pm
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 The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady (Charles Mingus) Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 10:04pm Thursday, April 23, 2015 - 11:29pm
Video Embed Parker Walk Fundamentals Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 9:21pm Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm

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