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
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Event
2005-01-02 - Kwanzaa Festival
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 12:00am
Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 11:36pm
Event
Tribute to Chester Whitmore
Tuesday, June 28, 2016 - 9:34am
Tuesday, June 28, 2016 - 9:35am
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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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Tap Basics | Chester's 8 wk SERIES!
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:05pm
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:05pm
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Archive: The Origins of Black Dance (2014)
Monday, April 27, 2015 - 3:33pm
Tuesday, July 21, 2015 - 2:39pm
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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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CADE performs at 2nd Annual Tango On The Streets
Saturday, November 19, 2011 - 2:02pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:25pm
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Vernacular Jazz Workshop
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:15pm
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:15pm
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2005-04-09 - A Tribute To The Motown Sound
Sunday, March 20, 2005 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
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2004-06-04 - L.A. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority 75th Anniversary Gala
Friday, June 4, 2004 - 12:00am
Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 11:31pm
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