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
Link Ballin' The Jack Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 10:38pm Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 2:10am
Link Arm Tone Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 10:35pm Monday, December 31, 2007 - 6:27pm
Link African-American Contribution to Theatrical Dance Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 10:33pm Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 2:09am
Basic page CADE - Chester's Message Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 9:29pm Monday, August 22, 2016 - 7:01pm
Basic page Mission Statement Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 11:51am Tuesday, August 2, 2016 - 10:13pm
Basic page About Us Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 11:37am Monday, January 18, 2016 - 2:28pm
Basic page Central Avenue Dance Ensemble Bios (Old) Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 11:31am Tuesday, April 16, 2013 - 12:03am
Event 2005-10-27 - Dance and African-American Music Thursday, October 13, 2005 - 12:00am Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event 2005-09-18 - De Obeah Mon Saturday, September 3, 2005 - 12:00am Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event 2005-05-29 - Praise God In Dance Monday, May 30, 2005 - 12:00am Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm

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