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
Video Embed La Cumparsita Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:24pm
Video Embed Holiday for Swing (Performance) Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed Baby It's Cold Outside Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:45pm
Video Embed Jitterbug History featuring White's Lindy hoppers Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:22pm
Video Embed Poinciana (Herb Jeffries performance) Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:24pm
Video Embed Flamingo Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:43pm
Video Embed Central Avenue Dance Ensemble Promotional Video Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Video Embed Jive at Five (Tap) Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Video Embed Chester Whitmore and Rusty Frank - Vaudeville Act 1993 Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 12:24pm
Video Embed Leap Frog (Vintage) Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm

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