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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Event
A Night at Club Alabam
Friday, May 14, 2021 - 3:19pm
Friday, June 18, 2021 - 2:03pm
Event
2005-01-28 - 17th Annual International Association of Blacks In Dance Conference
Wednesday, February 2, 2005 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
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The History of Black Dance in America (2015) - Sunday
Monday, April 27, 2015 - 4:28pm
Tuesday, November 24, 2015 - 2:42pm
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Tribute to Michael Jackson
Saturday, May 13, 2017 - 10:43pm
Sunday, May 14, 2017 - 10:43pm
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Xanadu Sing-Along
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 1:14pm
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Chester Whitmore "Lord of the Swing" Teaches Weekly Swing Class
Tuesday, October 8, 2019 - 5:02pm
Tuesday, October 8, 2019 - 5:02pm
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The Masters of Lindy Hop and Tap
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
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Cotton Club Night - Association of Black Women Physicians
Thursday, August 19, 2010 - 11:35am
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:47pm
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Archive: The History of Black Dance in America (2011)
Tuesday, January 4, 2011 - 9:45am
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:32pm
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Tap Basics | Chester's 8 wk SERIES!
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:09pm
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:09pm
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