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 SwingArizonaTrip 00090 Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:58pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:58pm
Image SwingArizonaTrip 00089 Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:58pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:58pm
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 SwingArizonaTrip 00084 Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm
Image SwingArizonaTrip 00083 Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm
Image What did these guys give her? Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:05pm
Image "Swinging in the Hood" Ganstas and their Moll Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:04pm
Image SwingArizonaTrip 00079 Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm
Image SwingArizonaTrip 00078 Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm
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

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