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
Image SwingingInTheHood050318 00024 Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:59pm Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:59pm
Image SwingingInTheHood050318 00023 Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:58pm Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:58pm
Image SwingingInTheHood050318 00010 Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:58pm Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:58pm
Image SwingingInTheHood050318 00009 Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:58pm Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:58pm
Image SwingingInTheHood050318 00008 Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:58pm Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:58pm
Image SwingingInTheHood050318 00006 Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:58pm Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:58pm
Image SwingingInTheHood050318 00002 Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:58pm Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:58pm
Image SwingingInTheHood050318 00001 Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:58pm Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:58pm
Image SwingingInTheHood050318 00000 Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:58pm Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:58pm
Image Chester and Charles Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:16pm Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:27pm

Pages

 

Group: 
This is a closed group. Only a group administrator can add you.
Group visibility: 
Public - accessible to all site users
Public Attachments: