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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Title
Post date
Updated/commented date
Event
2005-03-07 - Salute to African-American Arts and Culture
Wednesday, March 2, 2005 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event
The History of Black Dance in America (2015) - Friday
Monday, April 27, 2015 - 4:26pm
Tuesday, November 24, 2015 - 2:43pm
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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
2005-01-21 - Swinging In The Hood Dance
Friday, January 21, 2005 - 12:00am
Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:19pm
Event
Norma Miller Honored at 30th Annual IABD Conference
Monday, November 27, 2017 - 12:07pm
Monday, February 26, 2018 - 11:49am
Event
Dancing in the Hood with Chester Whitmore and the Opus One Band
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
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Thixotix Runway Dance Fusion
Thursday, August 19, 2010 - 11:10am
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:45pm
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CADE performs at 2nd Annual Tango On The Streets
Saturday, November 19, 2011 - 2:02pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:25pm
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2005-02-26 - Swinging With The Stars Dance Workshop and Event
Monday, February 28, 2005 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event
Archive: The Origins of Black Dance (2014)
Monday, April 27, 2015 - 3:33pm
Tuesday, July 21, 2015 - 2:39pm
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