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
DSC_4318
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm
Image
SwingArizonaTrip 00057
Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:15pm
Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:15pm
Image
RonAndGwen 44
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:04pm
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:04pm
Image
ShimSham 75
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:42pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:42pm
Image
SwingArizonaTrip 00123
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm
Image
Ron and Eroc posing in lobby of the Old Church, circa March 2005
Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:59pm
Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 1:14pm
Image
ShimSham 32
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Image
ChesterTaps 13
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:02pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:02pm
Image
DSC_4352
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm
Thursday, March 10, 2016 - 6:18pm
Image
SwingArizonaTrip 00095
Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:16pm
Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:16pm
Pages