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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Event
Chester Whitmore in Detroit for tap and jazz
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event
Lord of the Swing - Ford Theater
Saturday, September 10, 2016 - 6:32pm
Thursday, December 27, 2018 - 6:35pm
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Tap Basics | Chester's 8 wk SERIES!
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:07pm
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:07pm
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Xanadu Sing-Along
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 1:14pm
Event
History of Central Avenue, Session II
Sunday, November 18, 2018 - 11:17am
Friday, June 7, 2019 - 10:11am
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Parkinson's: Ron performs at the Parkinson's Resource Organization Fundraiser
Monday, July 19, 2010 - 1:09am
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:48pm
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2005-01-28 - 17th Annual International Association of Blacks In Dance Conference
Wednesday, February 2, 2005 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
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The Masters of Lindy Hop and Tap
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
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Dance Fusion Fundraiser Dance
Monday, August 8, 2016 - 5:47pm
Saturday, September 10, 2016 - 6:54pm
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The History of Black Dance in America (2015) - Saturday
Monday, April 27, 2015 - 4:27pm
Tuesday, November 24, 2015 - 2:43pm
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