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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Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:19pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:19pm
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ChesterTaps 9
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:02pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:02pm
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Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm
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Video thumbnail for "Gotta Dance" - Frankie95 Time Square Dance
Thursday, August 20, 2009 - 12:25pm
Thursday, August 20, 2009 - 12:25pm
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Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 10:00pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 10:00pm
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Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:17pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:17pm
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ShimSham 35
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
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Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm
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RonAndGwen 34
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:04pm
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:04pm
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Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm
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