Central Ave Dance Ensemble
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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:
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La Cumparsita
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:24pm
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Holiday for Swing (Performance)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
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Baby It's Cold Outside
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:45pm
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Jitterbug History featuring White's Lindy hoppers
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:22pm
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Poinciana (Herb Jeffries performance)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:24pm
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Flamingo
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:43pm
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Groovie Movie
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:42pm
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Ain't Nothin' Like The Real Thing
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Sunday, September 27, 2015 - 6:13pm
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Central Avenue Dance Ensemble Promotional Video
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
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Jive at Five (Tap)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
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