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.

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Image SwingArizonaTrip 00122 Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm
Image SwingArizonaTrip 00121 Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm
Image SwingArizonaTrip 00120 Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm
Image SwingArizonaTrip 00119 Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm
Image SwingArizonaTrip 00116 Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm
Image Ron and Toni (trying to look sexy) at "Swinging with the Stars" in Phoenix, AZ - Feb 2005 Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:26pm
Image Ron and Toni at "Swinging with the Stars" in Phoenix, AZ - Feb 2005 Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:27pm
Image SwingArizonaTrip 00113 Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm
Image SwingArizonaTrip 00112 Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm
Image SwingArizonaTrip 00111 Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm

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