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.
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Norma Miller Honored at 30th Annual IABD Conference
Monday, November 27, 2017 - 12:07pm
Monday, February 26, 2018 - 11:49am
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ShimSham 42
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
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RonAndGwen 5
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:04pm
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:04pm
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Percy, Ron and Eroc clowning around in the Old Church, circa March 2005
Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:59pm
Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 1:18pm
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PraiseDancePerformance050529 018_0011
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm
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ChesterTaps 35
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:02pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:02pm
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Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:56pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:56pm
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DSC_4314
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm
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SwingArizonaTrip 00105
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:58pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:58pm
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RonAndXia 58
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:17pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:17pm
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