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:
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Title
Post date
Updated/commented date
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ShimSham 45
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
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ShimSham 43
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
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ShimSham 5
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
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ShimSham 48
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
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ShimSham 46
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
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ShimSham 41
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
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ShimSham 44
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
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ShimSham 42
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
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ShimSham 49
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
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ShimSham 47
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
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