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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Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm
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RonAndXia 13
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:04pm
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:04pm
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RonAndXia 56
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:17pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:17pm
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ShimSham 66
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:42pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:42pm
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Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:58pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:58pm
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Percy, Ron and Eroc posing in lobby of the Old Church, circa March 2005
Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:59pm
Saturday, May 24, 2008 - 12:40pm
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ShimSham 23
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
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Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm
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Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:16pm
Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:16pm
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Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:20pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:20pm
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