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
RonAndXia 57
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:17pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:17pm
Image
Video thumbnail for The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 10:04pm
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 10:04pm
Image
ShimSham 24
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Image
DSC_4309
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm
Image
PraiseDancePerformance050529 022_0016
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm
Image
RonAndXia 95
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:17pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:17pm
Image
RonAndGwen 32
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:04pm
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:04pm
Image
ShimSham 67
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:42pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:42pm
Image
SwingArizonaTrip 00110
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:58pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:58pm
Image
SwingingInTheHood050318 00065
Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 1:00pm
Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 1:00pm
Pages
