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 Titlesort ascending Post date Updated/commented date
Video Embed Absolute Beginner's Guide to Swing: Volume I Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 6:00pm Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed Absolute Beginner's Guide to Swing Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 6:25pm Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Basic page About Us Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 11:37am Monday, January 18, 2016 - 2:28pm
Video Embed A Tribute to Norma Miller (Video) Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Event A Tribute to Norma Miller Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event A Night at Club Alabam Friday, May 14, 2021 - 3:19pm Friday, June 18, 2021 - 2:03pm
Video Embed A FOXTROT Mr Maxwell Stewart and Miss Barbara Miles demonstrate their fox-trot. Monday, November 2, 2009 - 4:00pm Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed A Brief History of the Black Roots of Argentine Tango Saturday, March 5, 2011 - 8:16am Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Link 2007 US Open Swing Dance Championships Winners Tuesday, November 27, 2007 - 12:15pm Tuesday, November 27, 2007 - 12:15pm
Link 2007 American Lindy Hop Championships Winners Tuesday, November 27, 2007 - 12:25pm Tuesday, November 27, 2007 - 12:27pm

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