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:
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Essence of Swing I: Beginning Lindy Hop with Chester Whitmore
Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 9:38pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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From Swing To Steppin: Beginning Chicago Style Step Dance Course
Sunday, August 23, 2009 - 12:11pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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From Swing To Steppin: Partnering: Basic Lead and Follow
Saturday, August 22, 2009 - 10:00pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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From Swing To Steppin: Introduction
Friday, August 21, 2009 - 7:51am
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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From Swing To Steppin: A Very Brief History of Swing
Friday, August 21, 2009 - 1:50am
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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Video thumbnail for "Gotta Dance" - Frankie95 Time Square Dance
Thursday, August 20, 2009 - 12:25pm
Thursday, August 20, 2009 - 12:25pm
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Gotta Dance - Frankie95 Time Square Dance
Thursday, August 20, 2009 - 12:25pm
Thursday, April 23, 2015 - 11:43pm
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Video thumbnail for The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 10:04pm
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 10:04pm
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The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady (Charles Mingus)
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 10:04pm
Thursday, April 23, 2015 - 11:29pm
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Video thumbnail for Parker Walk Fundamentals
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 9:21pm
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 10:08pm
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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.”
