Central Ave Dance Ensemble

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 datesort ascending Updated/commented date
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
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 I Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 6:00pm Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Basic page Beginning Argentine Tango: Volume I Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 2:56pm Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed Basic Eight-Count Step Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 2:00pm Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed Walking Down The Line of Dance Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 2:00pm Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed Beginning Argentine Tango Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 11:12am Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed Essence of Swing I: Introduction Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 10:33pm Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed Essence of Swing I: Footwork: Steppin in Time Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 10:00pm Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm

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