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:
Type
Title
Post date
Updated/commented date
Event
2005-10-27 - Dance and African-American Music
Thursday, October 13, 2005 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event
2004-09-04 African Marketplace
Saturday, September 4, 2004 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event
Chester Whitmore and the Central Ave Dance Ensemble perform at Barbara Morrison's Juneteenth Show
Tuesday, June 1, 2010 - 1:48pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:24pm
Event
Queen of Swing Documentary hosted by Norma Miller with the Woody Woods Quartet (Las Vegas, NV)
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event
The History of Black Dance in America - Black History Month 2016
Monday, December 28, 2015 - 10:34pm
Tuesday, March 8, 2016 - 8:24pm
Event
Vernacular Jazz Workshop
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:14pm
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:14pm
Event
2005-05-29 - Praise God In Dance
Monday, May 30, 2005 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event
2004-01-20 - Hollywood Park Casino 'Jazz Cool Down' Featuring Linda Hopkins
Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event
Chester Whitmore interview with TheActorsChoice
Monday, April 20, 2020 - 8:01pm
Monday, April 20, 2020 - 8:01pm
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Central Ave Dance Ensemble performs at TV Land Awards after party
Tuesday, April 27, 2010 - 12:58am
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:21pm
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