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
Book page Fumi Bankole Friday, June 12, 2015 - 3:12pm Tuesday, February 2, 2016 - 4:02pm
Book page Rosa Harris Wednesday, June 10, 2015 - 2:40pm Thursday, December 27, 2018 - 7:17pm
Book page Kiana Stringfield Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 8:46pm Saturday, January 30, 2016 - 11:10am
Event The History of Black Dance in America (2015) - Sunday Monday, April 27, 2015 - 4:28pm Tuesday, November 24, 2015 - 2:42pm
Event The History of Black Dance in America (2015) - Saturday Monday, April 27, 2015 - 4:27pm Tuesday, November 24, 2015 - 2:43pm
Event The History of Black Dance in America (2015) - Friday Monday, April 27, 2015 - 4:26pm Tuesday, November 24, 2015 - 2:43pm
Event Archive: The History of Black Dance in America (2012) Monday, April 27, 2015 - 3:37pm Tuesday, July 21, 2015 - 2:36pm
Event Archive: The Origins of Black Dance (2014) Monday, April 27, 2015 - 3:33pm Tuesday, July 21, 2015 - 2:39pm
Video Embed HBDA 2012 Friday, April 20, 2012 - 1:57am Thursday, August 4, 2016 - 6:59pm
Event CADE performs at 2nd Annual Tango On The Streets Saturday, November 19, 2011 - 2:02pm Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:25pm

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