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	The Guys	Friday, October 1, 2010 - 5:48pm	Friday, October 1, 2010 - 5:48pm
Event	The History of Black Dance in America (2015) - Friday	Monday, April 27, 2015 - 4:26pm	Tuesday, November 24, 2015 - 2:43pm
Event	The History of Black Dance in America (2015) - Saturday	Monday, April 27, 2015 - 4:27pm	Tuesday, November 24, 2015 - 2:43pm
Event	The History of Black Dance in America (2015) - Sunday	Monday, April 27, 2015 - 4:28pm	Tuesday, November 24, 2015 - 2:42pm
Event	The History of Black Dance in America - Black History Month 2016	Monday, December 28, 2015 - 10:34pm	Tuesday, March 8, 2016 - 8:24pm
Event	The History of Black Dance in America - Part 2	Tuesday, January 25, 2022 - 9:08pm	Tuesday, February 8, 2022 - 11:30am
Video Embed	The History of Black Dance in America - Promo 2012	Thursday, February 18, 2016 - 6:40pm	Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:38pm
Event	The History of Black Dance in America Photo Exhibition and Fundraiser	Wednesday, February 24, 2016 - 4:23pm	Wednesday, August 17, 2016 - 3:24pm
Event	The History of Black Dance in America Photo Exhibition and Fundraiser	Wednesday, February 3, 2016 - 5:02pm	Thursday, February 4, 2016 - 8:06pm
Video Embed	The Kissing Bandit	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:31pm	Saturday, September 26, 2015 - 3:54pm