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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Katherine Dunham Video Library and Timeline
Saturday, December 1, 2007 - 6:37pm
Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 2:04am
Blog entry
"Swing" Music at the US Swing Open?
Wednesday, November 28, 2007 - 1:11am
Monday, December 24, 2007 - 12:17pm
Link
2007 American Lindy Hop Championships Winners
Tuesday, November 27, 2007 - 12:25pm
Tuesday, November 27, 2007 - 12:27pm
Link
2007 US Open Swing Dance Championships Winners
Tuesday, November 27, 2007 - 12:15pm
Tuesday, November 27, 2007 - 12:15pm
Link
Clog and Step Dance Festival - 1990
Friday, November 23, 2007 - 11:54am
Friday, November 23, 2007 - 11:54am
Link
Ballroom Dance (definition)
Wednesday, November 21, 2007 - 12:47pm
Wednesday, November 21, 2007 - 12:47pm
Link
What's Steppin?
Wednesday, November 21, 2007 - 12:44pm
Wednesday, November 21, 2007 - 12:44pm
Basic page
Motor City Jam 2007 - Chester and Cheryl Dancing
Saturday, October 6, 2007 - 4:10am
Monday, November 12, 2007 - 2:27pm
Link
Third Street Swingers (Swing on the 3rd Street Promenade)
Sunday, September 23, 2007 - 3:09pm
Monday, December 31, 2007 - 5:48pm
Link
Stepper's Internet Connection
Sunday, September 9, 2007 - 5:27pm
Monday, December 31, 2007 - 5:50pm
Pages
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.”
