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
Video
Killing Myself
Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:48pm
Thursday, January 11, 2018 - 12:56am
Video Embed
Chester Whitmore and Rusty Frank - Vaudeville Act 1993
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 12:24pm
Video Embed
Toni's Greatest Hits
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:01pm
Video Embed
Jitterbug History featuring White's Lindy hoppers
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:22pm
Video Embed
Poinciana (Herb Jeffries performance)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:24pm
Video Embed
La Cumparsita
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:24pm
Video Embed
The Parker Walk
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:26pm
Video Embed
MaDonna Grimes
Wednesday, December 23, 2015 - 7:29am
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:37pm
Video Embed
The History of Black Dance in America - Promo 2012
Thursday, February 18, 2016 - 6:40pm
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:38pm
Video Embed
What is Urban Ballroom
Tuesday, September 6, 2016 - 2:56pm
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:39pm
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