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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Title
Post date
Updated/commented date
Event
History of Central Avenue, Session II
Sunday, November 18, 2018 - 11:17am
Friday, June 7, 2019 - 10:11am
Event
Motor City Jam
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:14pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:14pm
Event
Tap Basics | Chester's 8 wk SERIES!
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:06pm
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:06pm
Event
2005-02-25 - Compton Conservatory of Music
Monday, February 28, 2005 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event
Unity Praise Dancers and Company Presents: Ignite The Praise 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm
Event
Dance Fusion Fundraiser Dance
Monday, August 8, 2016 - 5:47pm
Saturday, September 10, 2016 - 6:54pm
Event
A Tribute to Norma Miller
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event
CentralAveDance at The 5th Annual Uview Media Group Honor Awards 2018
Tuesday, June 19, 2018 - 8:15pm
Tuesday, June 19, 2018 - 8:18pm
Event
10th American Lindy Hop Championships (Stamford, CT)
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:58pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:58pm
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2005-03-18 - Swinging In The Hood
Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
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