Central Ave Dance Ensemble

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Posted by somebody on Wednesday, 13 June 2007

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	Chester Whitmore interview with TheActorsChoice	Monday, April 20, 2020 - 8:01pm	Monday, April 20, 2020 - 8:01pm
Image	PraiseDancePerformance050529 018_0011	Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm	Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:33pm
Image	DSC_4326	Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm	Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm
Image	SwingArizonaTrip 00105	Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:58pm	Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:58pm
Image	ShimSham 98	Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:42pm	Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:42pm
Image	RonAndGwen 42	Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:04pm	Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:04pm
Image	ChesterTaps 31	Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:02pm	Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:02pm
Image	SwingArizonaTrip 00075	Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:15pm	Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:15pm
Image	DSC_4360	Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm	Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:39pm
Image	Percy, Ron and Eroc posing in lobby of the Old Church, circa March 2005	Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:59pm	Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 1:12pm

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