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
Image
SwingArizonaTrip 00130
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm
Image
SwingingInTheHood050318 00069
Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 1:00pm
Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 1:00pm
Image
ChesterTaps 32
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:02pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:02pm
Image
RonAndGwen 7
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:04pm
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:04pm
Image
SwingArizonaTrip 00145
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 10:00pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 10:00pm
Image
Percy, Ron and Eroc posing on the dance floor of the Old Church, circa March 2005
Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:59pm
Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 1:21pm
Image
ChesterTaps
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:02pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:02pm
Image
RonAndXia 70
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:17pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:17pm
Image
DSC_4308
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm
Image
RonAndXia 35
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:05pm
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:05pm
Pages