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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Title
Post date
Updated/commented date
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Mike does his Swamy Thing (with Chester)
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:20pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:23pm
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ShimSham 103
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
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RonAndXia 15
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:05pm
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:05pm
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DSC_4289
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm
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Chester Leads Opus One Big Band at "Swinging in the Hood" - circa Feb/Mar 2005
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:58pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:30pm
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SwingArizonaTrip 00064
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm
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DSC_4372
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm
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ShimSham 26
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
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ShimSham 49
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
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RonAndXia 29
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:05pm
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:05pm
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