Central Ave Dance Ensemble

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	Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel?	Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm	Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event	Tap Basics \| Chester's 8 wk SERIES!	Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:07pm	Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:07pm
Event	Dancing in the Hood with Chester Whitmore and Opus One Big Band	Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm	Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event	The History of Black Dance in America Photo Exhibition and Fundraiser	Wednesday, February 3, 2016 - 5:02pm	Thursday, February 4, 2016 - 8:06pm
Event	Lord of the Swing - Ford Theater	Saturday, September 10, 2016 - 6:32pm	Thursday, December 27, 2018 - 6:35pm
Event	History of Central Avenue, Session II	Sunday, November 18, 2018 - 11:17am	Friday, June 7, 2019 - 10:11am
Event	2004-12-03 - Swinging In The Hood Dance w/ Chester Whitmore's Opus One Band.	Friday, December 3, 2004 - 12:00am	Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:51pm
Event	"HEALING THROUGH MUSIC" STRAIGHT JAZZ WITH A SPLASH OF BLUES	Tuesday, July 13, 2010 - 6:32pm	Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:17pm
Event	Mademoiselle Sing, Sing, Sing: An Urban Musical	Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm	Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event	Tap Basics \| Chester's 8 wk SERIES!	Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:06pm	Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:06pm