Central Ave Dance Ensemble
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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:
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Post date
Updated/commented date
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ShimSham 18
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
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ShimSham 64
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:42pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:42pm
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Percy, Ron and Eroc posing in lobby of the Old Church, circa March 2005
Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:59pm
Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 1:16pm
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RonAndXia 16
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:05pm
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:05pm
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SwingArizonaTrip 00106
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:58pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:58pm
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ShimSham 31
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
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ShimSham 78
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:42pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:42pm
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Video thumbnail for Unbelievable Waltz
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 8:23pm
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 8:23pm
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ChesterTaps 12
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:02pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:02pm
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SwingArizonaTrip 00076
Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:16pm
Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:16pm
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