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
Event
A Tribute to Norma Miller
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Video Embed
A Tribute to Norma Miller (Video)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Basic page
About Us
Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 11:37am
Monday, January 18, 2016 - 2:28pm
Video Embed
Absolute Beginner's Guide to Swing
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 6:25pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed
Absolute Beginner's Guide to Swing: Volume I
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 6:00pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed
Absolute Beginner's Guide to Swing: Volume II
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 6:00pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed
Absolute Beginner's Guide to Swing: Volume III
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 7:00pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed
Absolute Beginner's Guide to Swing: Volume IV
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 6:15pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed
Absolute Beginner's Guide to Swing: Volume V
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 6:15pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Event
AfricaDance & Drum Conference
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:55pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:55pm
Pages
