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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Absolute Beginner's Guide to Swing: Volume V
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 6:15pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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Absolute Beginner's Guide to Swing: Volume IV
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 6:15pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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Absolute Beginner's Guide to Swing: Volume II
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 6:00pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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Absolute Beginner's Guide to Swing: Volume I
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 6:00pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Basic page
Beginning Argentine Tango: Volume I
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 2:56pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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Basic Eight-Count Step
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 2:00pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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Walking Down The Line of Dance
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 2:00pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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Beginning Argentine Tango
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 11:12am
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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Essence of Swing I: Introduction
Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 10:33pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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Essence of Swing I: Footwork: Steppin in Time
Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 10:00pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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Central Avenue Dance Ensemble
“One of the benefits of knowledge is that it is portable: Anything you learn you take with you wherever you go for the rest of your life.”
-Paul Thornhill
Chester Whitmore’s Message
“My approach to dance is life itself, places people and things that have happened in our lifetime and creating dance forms for the audience about feelings, emotions in life 
that they may have overlooked. In addition, I want my dances to purely entertain as well as educate. At this stage in my career, I still have much to contribute to the world of dance as a performer, instructor, choreographer and educator. While I possess many years of experience in all of these areas, and as a music historian, musician and composer, I endeavor endlessly to further develop my skills and share them with others.”
