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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Event
Dancing in the Hood with Chester Whitmore and the Opus One Band
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
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CentralAveDance at The 5th Annual Uview Media Group Honor Awards 2018
Tuesday, June 19, 2018 - 8:15pm
Tuesday, June 19, 2018 - 8:18pm
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2003-09-06 - Dancer's Groove II at the Hollywood Park Casino
Saturday, September 6, 2003 - 12:00am
Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:14pm
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2005-05-20: Swinging InThe Hood
Saturday, April 30, 2005 - 12:00am
Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:09pm
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The History of Black Dance in America - Black History Month 2016
Monday, December 28, 2015 - 10:34pm
Tuesday, March 8, 2016 - 8:24pm
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2005-01-02 - Kwanzaa Festival
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 12:00am
Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 11:36pm
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Chester Whitmore and the Central Ave Dance Ensemble perform at Barbara Morrison's Juneteenth Show
Tuesday, June 1, 2010 - 1:48pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:24pm
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Salsa I and II Lessons at Dance Dimensions
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
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Vernacular Jazz Workshop
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:14pm
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:14pm
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2004-04-24 - Celebration of the life of Leonard Reed
Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
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