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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Post date
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Ron and Eroc
Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:59pm
Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 1:22pm
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ShimSham 102
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
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Ron Teaches Tango
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm
Thursday, March 10, 2016 - 6:26pm
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Central Avenue Dance Ensemble with Fayard Nicholas and Chester Whitmore. National Tap Day, 2004, World Park, Thousand Oaks, CA
Sunday, April 25, 2010 - 2:31pm
Sunday, April 25, 2010 - 2:31pm
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ShimSham 25
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
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DSC_4280
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm
Thursday, March 10, 2016 - 6:24pm
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SwingArizonaTrip 00081
Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:16pm
Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:16pm
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RonAndXia 96
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:17pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:17pm
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DSC_4363
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm
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Mike does his Swamy Thing (with Chester)
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:20pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:23pm
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