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 date	Updated/commented date
Image	PraiseDancePerformance050529 011_0003	Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm	Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm
Image	PraiseDancePerformance050529 011_0001	Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm	Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm
Image	Paul at Swinging in the Hood	Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm	Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm
Image	Rosa, Toni, Alison and Reggie at "Swinging in the Hood" - Feb/Mar 2005	Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm	Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:32pm
Image	Felicia and Toni	Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm	Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:31pm
Image	Millie (my old Salsa Partner, now into Step) at "Swinging in the Hood" - circa Feb/Mar 2005	Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm	Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:30pm
Image	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
Image	Chanda Lear and her Baby Boo at "Swinging in the Hood" - circa Feb/Mar 2005	Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm	Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:29pm
Image	Percy at "Swinging in the Hood" - Circa Feb/Mar 2005	Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm	Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:28pm
Image	Ron and Toni at "Swinging with the Stars" in Phoenix, AZ - Feb 2005	Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm	Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:27pm