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
Event	Archive: The History of Black Dance in America (2012)	Monday, April 27, 2015 - 3:37pm	Tuesday, July 21, 2015 - 2:36pm
Event	Archive: The History of Black Dance in America (2011)	Tuesday, January 4, 2011 - 9:45am	Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:32pm
Video Embed	Ain't That Something to Shout About	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm	Wednesday, January 31, 2018 - 1:24am
Video Embed	Ain't Nothin' Like The Real Thing	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm	Sunday, September 27, 2015 - 6:13pm
Link	African-American Contribution to Theatrical Dance	Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 10:33pm	Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 2:09am
Event	AfricaDance & Drum Conference	Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:55pm	Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:55pm
Video Embed	Absolute Beginner's Guide to Swing: Volume V	Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 6:15pm	Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed	Absolute Beginner's Guide to Swing: Volume IV	Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 6:15pm	Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed	Absolute Beginner's Guide to Swing: Volume III	Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 7:00pm	Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed	Absolute Beginner's Guide to Swing: Volume II	Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 6:00pm	Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm