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:
Type
Title
Post date
Updated/commented date
Event
The History of Black Dance in America - Black History Month 2016
Monday, December 28, 2015 - 10:34pm
Tuesday, March 8, 2016 - 8:24pm
Book page
Interviews with Chester Whitmore
Saturday, January 9, 2016 - 2:48pm
Monday, April 20, 2020 - 7:52pm
Link
Lindy Hop Featured in Life Magazine, August 23, 1943
Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - 11:40am
Thursday, March 17, 2016 - 7:38pm
Book page
Bernadette Sebastian
Saturday, January 30, 2016 - 10:24am
Saturday, January 30, 2016 - 11:06am
Book page
Chelsea Schetter
Saturday, January 30, 2016 - 10:28am
Saturday, January 30, 2016 - 11:07am
Book page
Nupeir Garrett
Sunday, January 31, 2016 - 1:35pm
Sunday, January 31, 2016 - 1:35pm
Book page
Jade Jerry
Monday, February 1, 2016 - 10:50pm
Monday, February 1, 2016 - 10:52pm
Event
The History of Black Dance in America Photo Exhibition and Fundraiser
Wednesday, February 3, 2016 - 5:02pm
Thursday, February 4, 2016 - 8:06pm
Book page
Harry Bowens
Thursday, February 4, 2016 - 8:44pm
Thursday, February 4, 2016 - 8:44pm
Book page
Daigo Koide
Friday, February 5, 2016 - 5:39pm
Friday, February 5, 2016 - 5:39pm
Pages
