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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From Jitterbug to Bop
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
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Poinciana (Herb Jeffries performance)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:24pm
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The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady (Charles Mingus)
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 10:04pm
Thursday, April 23, 2015 - 11:29pm
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Baby, Work Out!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
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Absolute Beginner's Guide to Swing: Volume IV
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 6:15pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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MaDonna Grimes
Wednesday, December 23, 2015 - 7:29am
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:37pm
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Waltz: Anya and Danny
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Saturday, September 26, 2015 - 3:58pm
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Urban Roundtable TV Interview
Monday, February 21, 2011 - 12:22am
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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Lucky Numbers (Nicholas Brothers)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
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Day Dream (Chester Whitmore)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
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