Central Ave Dance Ensemble
Primary tabs
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
CADE at the Central Avenue Jazz Festival
Sunday, July 21, 2019 - 4:20pm
Sunday, July 21, 2019 - 4:35pm
Event
2005-03-07 - Salute to African-American Arts and Culture
Wednesday, March 2, 2005 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event
AfricaDance & Drum Conference
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:55pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:55pm
Event
2005-01-21 - Swinging In The Hood Dance
Friday, January 21, 2005 - 12:00am
Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:19pm
Event
Tap Basics | Chester's 8 wk SERIES!
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:08pm
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:08pm
Event
Dancing in the Hood with Chester Whitmore and the Opus One Band
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
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
Parkinson's: Ron performs at the Parkinson's Resource Organization Fundraiser
Monday, July 19, 2010 - 1:09am
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:48pm
Event
Dunham Tradition
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm
Event
Tap Basics | Chester's 8 wk SERIES!
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:07pm
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:07pm
Pages