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
Event
2005-10-27 - Dance and African-American Music
Thursday, October 13, 2005 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event
Harlem Nights Steppers Ball
Monday, August 16, 2010 - 4:20pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:46pm
Event
History of Central Avenue, Session II
Sunday, November 18, 2018 - 11:17am
Friday, June 7, 2019 - 10:11am
Event
Tap Basics | Chester's 8 wk SERIES!
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:06pm
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:06pm
Event
Archive: The History of Black Dance in America (2012)
Monday, April 27, 2015 - 3:37pm
Tuesday, July 21, 2015 - 2:36pm
Event
Queen of Swing Documentary hosted by Norma Miller with the Woody Woods Quartet (Las Vegas, NV)
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
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CADE Performs at USA Dance LA Halloween Ball
Saturday, November 19, 2011 - 1:58pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:26pm
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Dance Fusion Fundraiser Dance
Monday, August 8, 2016 - 5:47pm
Saturday, September 10, 2016 - 6:54pm
Event
2004-09-04 African Marketplace
Saturday, September 4, 2004 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event
2005-05-29 - Praise God In Dance
Monday, May 30, 2005 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
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