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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Title
Post date
Updated/commented date
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Ballin' The Jack
Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 10:38pm
Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 2:10am
Link
Arm Tone
Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 10:35pm
Monday, December 31, 2007 - 6:27pm
Link
African-American Contribution to Theatrical Dance
Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 10:33pm
Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 2:09am
Basic page
CADE - Chester's Message
Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 9:29pm
Monday, August 22, 2016 - 7:01pm
Basic page
Mission Statement
Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 11:51am
Tuesday, August 2, 2016 - 10:13pm
Basic page
About Us
Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 11:37am
Monday, January 18, 2016 - 2:28pm
Basic page
Central Avenue Dance Ensemble Bios (Old)
Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 11:31am
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 - 12:03am
Event
2005-10-27 - Dance and African-American Music
Thursday, October 13, 2005 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event
2005-09-18 - De Obeah Mon
Saturday, September 3, 2005 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event
2005-05-29 - Praise God In Dance
Monday, May 30, 2005 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
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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.”
