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 datesort ascending Updated/commented date
Event Tap Basics | Chester's 8 wk SERIES! Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:05pm Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:05pm
Book page CADE Logo Friday, February 26, 2021 - 1:59am Friday, February 26, 2021 - 1:59am
Event The Best of The History of Black Dance in America Monday, February 8, 2021 - 8:05pm Wednesday, March 3, 2021 - 11:01am
Event Chester Whitmore interview with TheActorsChoice Monday, April 20, 2020 - 8:01pm Monday, April 20, 2020 - 8:01pm
Event Chester Whitmore "Lord of the Swing" Teaches Weekly Swing Class in February Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:30am Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:46pm
Event Chester Whitmore "Lord of the Swing" Teaches Weekly Swing Class in February Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:28am Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:46pm
Event Chester Whitmore "Lord of the Swing" Teaches Weekly Swing Class in February Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:26am Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:27am
Event Chester Whitmore "Lord of the Swing" Teaches Weekly Swing Class in February Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:25am Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:29am
Event Chester Whitmore "Lord of the Swing" Teaches Weekly Swing Class in February Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:23am Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:48pm
Event Chester Whitmore "Lord of the Swing" Teaches Weekly Swing Class Tuesday, October 8, 2019 - 5:02pm Tuesday, October 8, 2019 - 5:02pm

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