Central Ave Dance Ensemble

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: 

Type Title Post datesort ascending Updated/commented date
Image ShimSham 40 Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Image ShimSham 39 Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Image ShimSham 37 Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Image ShimSham 35 Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Image ShimSham 33 Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Image ShimSham 4 Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Image ShimSham 38 Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Image ShimSham 36 Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Image ShimSham 34 Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Image ShimSham 32 Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm

Pages

 

Group: 
This is a closed group. Only a group administrator can add you.
Group visibility: 
Public - accessible to all site users
Public Attachments: