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: 

Type Title Post datesort ascending Updated/commented date
Image SwingArizonaTrip 00053 Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:15pm Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:15pm
Image SwingArizonaTrip 00052 Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:15pm Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:15pm
Image PraiseDancePerformance050529 024_0019 Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm
Image PraiseDancePerformance050529 024_0017 Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm
Image PraiseDancePerformance050529 021_0015 Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm
Image PraiseDancePerformance050529 024_0020 Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm
Image PraiseDancePerformance050529 024_0018 Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm
Image PraiseDancePerformance050529 022_0016 Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm
Image PraiseDancePerformance050529 020_0014 Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm
Image PraiseDancePerformance050529 018_0010 Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm

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