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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Updated/commented date
Event
Vernacular Jazz Workshop
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:14pm
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:14pm
Link
Use It or Lose It: Dancing Makes You Smarter
Tuesday, February 20, 2007 - 3:35pm
Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 2:57am
Video Embed
Urban Roundtable TV Interview
Monday, February 21, 2011 - 12:22am
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Event
Unity Praise Dancers and Company Presents: Ignite The Praise 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm
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Tribute to Sam Cooke
Saturday, May 13, 2017 - 10:40pm
Monday, May 22, 2017 - 11:22pm
Event
Tribute to Michael Jackson
Saturday, May 13, 2017 - 10:43pm
Sunday, May 14, 2017 - 10:43pm
Event
Tribute to Chester Whitmore
Tuesday, June 28, 2016 - 9:34am
Tuesday, June 28, 2016 - 9:35am
Video Embed
Toni's Greatest Hits
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:01pm
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Thixotix Runway Dance Fusion
Thursday, August 19, 2010 - 11:10am
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:45pm
Link
Third Street Swingers (Swing on the 3rd Street Promenade)
Sunday, September 23, 2007 - 3:09pm
Monday, December 31, 2007 - 5:48pm
Pages