Central Ave Dance Ensemble
Primary tabs
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
Image
PraiseDancePerformance050529 012_0005
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm
Image
ShimSham 16
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Image
Lori Dances Hip Hop
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm
Thursday, March 10, 2016 - 6:07pm
Image
ShimSham 57
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:42pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:42pm
Image
DSC_4313
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm
Image
PraiseDancePerformance050529 024_0020
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm
Image
ShimSham 3
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Image
ShimSham 70
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:42pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:42pm
Image
RonAndGwen 4
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:04pm
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:04pm
Image
SwingArizonaTrip 00116
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm
Pages
