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: 

Typesort descending Title Post date Updated/commented date
Image SwingArizonaTrip 00066 Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm
Image RonAndXia 23 Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:05pm Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:05pm
Image RonAndXia 65 Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:17pm Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:17pm
Image SwingArizonaTrip 00122 Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm
Image DSC_4313 Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm
Image Salvador And Bea Friday, October 1, 2010 - 5:48pm Friday, October 1, 2010 - 5:48pm
Image ShimSham 70 Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:42pm Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:42pm
Image ShimSham 31 Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Image SwingArizonaTrip 00094 Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:16pm Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:16pm
Image ChesterTaps 12 Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:02pm Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:02pm

Pages

 

Group: 
This is a closed group. Only a group administrator can add you.
Group visibility: 
Public - accessible to all site users
Public Attachments: