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 Kirk Dances at His Benefit (Swinging All Day) Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Video Embed Blues Dancing (Swing Style) Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Video Embed Ain't That Something to Shout About Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm Wednesday, January 31, 2018 - 1:24am
Video Embed Kirk's Get Well Video Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm Wednesday, January 31, 2018 - 1:19am
Video Embed Lucky Numbers (Nicholas Brothers) Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Video Embed Central Avenue Dance Ensemble Video - Maxwell's in the Argyle Hotel, March 2004 Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Video Embed The Kissing Bandit Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:31pm Saturday, September 26, 2015 - 3:54pm
Event Unity Praise Dancers and Company Presents: Ignite The Praise 2009 Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm
Event Dunham Tradition Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm
Event Dunham Tradition Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm

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