Central Ave 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
Article	Ron Parker	Monday, June 7, 2010 - 3:42pm	Saturday, February 27, 2021 - 11:24am
Book page	CADE Logo	Friday, February 26, 2021 - 1:59am	Friday, February 26, 2021 - 1:59am
Event	Chester Whitmore interview with TheActorsChoice	Monday, April 20, 2020 - 8:01pm	Monday, April 20, 2020 - 8:01pm
Book page	Chester Whitmore	Tuesday, August 23, 2011 - 9:40pm	Monday, April 20, 2020 - 7:55pm
Book page	Interviews with Chester Whitmore	Saturday, January 9, 2016 - 2:48pm	Monday, April 20, 2020 - 7:52pm
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 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 - 3:25am	Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:29am
Event	Chester Whitmore "Lord of the Swing" Teaches Weekly Swing Class in February	Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:26am	Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:27am