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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ChesterTaps
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:02pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:02pm
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Rosa, Toni, Alison and Reggie at "Swinging in the Hood" - Feb/Mar 2005
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:32pm
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DSC_4375
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm
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RonAndGwen 12
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:02pm
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:02pm
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ShimSham 51
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:42pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:42pm
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RonAndXia 70
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:17pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:17pm
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SwingArizonaTrip 00092
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:58pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:58pm
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DSC_4324
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm
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ShimSham 36
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
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SwingArizonaTrip 00063
Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:15pm
Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:15pm
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