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.
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California Girl Jam 2006
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
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ShimSham 29
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
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DSC_4354
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm
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SwingArizonaTrip 00097
Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:16pm
Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:16pm
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ChesterTaps 1
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:02pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:02pm
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DSC_4288
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm
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Chanda Lear and her Baby Boo at "Swinging in the Hood" - circa Feb/Mar 2005
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:57pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:29pm
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RonAndGwen 46
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:04pm
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:04pm
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RonAndXia 102
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:16pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:16pm
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ShimSham 48
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
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Central Avenue Dance Ensemble
“One of the benefits of knowledge is that it is portable: Anything you learn you take with you wherever you go for the rest of your life.”
-Paul Thornhill
Chester Whitmore’s Message
“My approach to dance is life itself, places people and things that have happened in our lifetime and creating dance forms for the audience about feelings, emotions in life that they may have overlooked. In addition, I want my dances to purely entertain as well as educate. At this stage in my career, I still have much to contribute to the world of dance as a performer, instructor, choreographer and educator. While I possess many years of experience in all of these areas, and as a music historian, musician and composer, I endeavor endlessly to further develop my skills and share them with others.”