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 date	Updated/commented date
Event	2005-05-04: Rusty's Rhythm Club	Saturday, April 30, 2005 - 12:00am	Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event	2004-05-22 - 2004 National Tap Day	Saturday, May 22, 2004 - 12:00am	Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event	2005-03-07 - Salute to African-American Arts and Culture	Wednesday, March 2, 2005 - 12:00am	Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event	2005-02-26 - Swinging With The Stars Dance Workshop and Event	Monday, February 28, 2005 - 12:00am	Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event	2005-02-20 - Pan-African American Film and Arts Festival	Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 12:00am	Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event	2005-01-28 - 17th Annual International Association of Blacks In Dance Conference	Wednesday, February 2, 2005 - 12:00am	Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event	2005-09-18 - De Obeah Mon	Saturday, September 3, 2005 - 12:00am	Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Article	Choreography for 2010 Dance: "God Bless The Child"	Friday, June 15, 2007 - 11:33am	Wednesday, June 20, 2007 - 2:14pm
Basic page	Motor City Jam 2007 - Chester and Cheryl Dancing	Saturday, October 6, 2007 - 4:10am	Monday, November 12, 2007 - 2:27pm
Link	What's Steppin?	Wednesday, November 21, 2007 - 12:44pm	Wednesday, November 21, 2007 - 12:44pm