Central Ave Dance Ensemble
Primary tabs
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 date
Updated/commented date
Video Embed
Jive at Five (Tap)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Video Embed
Chester Whitmore and Rusty Frank - Vaudeville Act 1993
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 12:24pm
Video Embed
Xanadu Sing-Along Performance
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Video Embed
Toni's Greatest Hits
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:01pm
Video Embed
Chicago Style Step - Chester Whitmore Style
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Sunday, September 27, 2015 - 6:16pm
Video Embed
Baby, Work Out!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Video Embed
Day Dream (Chester Whitmore)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Video Embed
Oh, Babe! (Chester Whitmore with Peter Loggins)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Video Embed
Love Letter (Chester Whitmore)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Video Embed
Blacks in Ballroom (God Bless The Child)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Sunday, January 23, 2011 - 3:16pm
Pages