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 A Tribute to Norma Miller (Video) Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Video Embed Why is Stepping Called 'Stepping'? Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Video Embed Norma Miller and the Congeroos in Duke Ellington's Hot Chocolate Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm Sunday, September 27, 2015 - 6:18pm
Video Embed Chester Does Tap, Ballet, Soft Shoe, and Conducts the Band at the Same Time Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm Monday, April 30, 2018 - 3:57pm
Video Embed Norma Miller Performs with Chazz Young at Masters of Tap and Swing Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Video Embed Rock On! Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm Saturday, September 26, 2015 - 4:03pm
Video Embed West Coast Swing (The Beginning) Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Video Embed From Jitterbug to Bop Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Video Embed Kirk Dances at His Benefit (Swinging All Day) Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Video Embed Blues Dancing (Swing Style) Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm

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