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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Book page
Fumi Bankole
Friday, June 12, 2015 - 3:12pm
Tuesday, February 2, 2016 - 4:02pm
Book page
Rosa Harris
Wednesday, June 10, 2015 - 2:40pm
Thursday, December 27, 2018 - 7:17pm
Book page
Kiana Stringfield
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 8:46pm
Saturday, January 30, 2016 - 11:10am
Event
The History of Black Dance in America (2015) - Sunday
Monday, April 27, 2015 - 4:28pm
Tuesday, November 24, 2015 - 2:42pm
Event
The History of Black Dance in America (2015) - Saturday
Monday, April 27, 2015 - 4:27pm
Tuesday, November 24, 2015 - 2:43pm
Event
The History of Black Dance in America (2015) - Friday
Monday, April 27, 2015 - 4:26pm
Tuesday, November 24, 2015 - 2:43pm
Event
Archive: The History of Black Dance in America (2012)
Monday, April 27, 2015 - 3:37pm
Tuesday, July 21, 2015 - 2:36pm
Event
Archive: The Origins of Black Dance (2014)
Monday, April 27, 2015 - 3:33pm
Tuesday, July 21, 2015 - 2:39pm
Video Embed
HBDA 2012
Friday, April 20, 2012 - 1:57am
Thursday, August 4, 2016 - 6:59pm
Event
CADE performs at 2nd Annual Tango On The Streets
Saturday, November 19, 2011 - 2:02pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:25pm
Pages
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.”
