Central Ave Dance Ensemble

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 datesort ascending Updated/commented date
Video Embed Parker Walk Fundamentals Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 9:21pm Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Image Video thumbnail for Unbelievable Waltz Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 8:23pm Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 8:23pm
Image Video thumbnail for Parker Walk Fundamentals: Embrace and Walking Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 6:13pm Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 6:13pm
Video Embed Parker Walk Fundamentals: Embrace and Walking Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 6:13pm Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Image Video thumbnail for Parker Walk Fundamentals: Connection Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 5:03pm Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 9:40pm
Video Embed Parker Walk Fundamentals: Connection Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 5:03pm Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed Come Get to This Saturday, August 8, 2009 - 11:08pm Friday, August 14, 2009 - 2:58pm
Video Embed Waltz: Anya and Danny Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm Saturday, September 26, 2015 - 3:58pm
Video Embed La Cumparsita Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:24pm
Video Embed Holiday for Swing (Performance) Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm

Pages

 

Group: 
This is a closed group. Only a group administrator can add you.
Group visibility: 
Public - accessible to all site users
Public Attachments: