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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Walking Down The Line of Dance
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 2:00pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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Vintage Videos
Friday, July 13, 2007 - 12:30pm
Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 11:16pm
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Video thumbnail for Unbelievable Waltz
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 8:23pm
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 8:23pm
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Video thumbnail for The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 10:04pm
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 10:04pm
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Video thumbnail for Parker Walk Fundamentals: Embrace and Walking
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 6:13pm
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 6:13pm
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Video thumbnail for Parker Walk Fundamentals: Connection
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 5:03pm
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 9:40pm
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Video thumbnail for Parker Walk Fundamentals
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 9:21pm
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 10:08pm
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Video thumbnail for "Gotta Dance" - Frankie95 Time Square Dance
Thursday, August 20, 2009 - 12:25pm
Thursday, August 20, 2009 - 12:25pm
Event
Vernacular Jazz Workshop
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:15pm
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:15pm
Event
Vernacular Jazz Workshop
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:13pm
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:13pm
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