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 date	Updated/commented date
Video Embed	A Tribute to Norma Miller (Video)	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Video Embed	Why is Stepping Called 'Stepping'?	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Video Embed	Norma Miller Performs with Chazz Young at Masters of Tap and Swing	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Video Embed	Norma Miller and the Congeroos in Duke Ellington's Hot Chocolate	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm	Sunday, September 27, 2015 - 6:18pm
Video Embed	Chester Does Tap, Ballet, Soft Shoe, and Conducts the Band at the Same Time	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm	Monday, April 30, 2018 - 3:57pm
Video Embed	Jive (The International Version of Swing)	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Video Embed	Rock On!	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm	Saturday, September 26, 2015 - 4:03pm
Video Embed	West Coast Swing (The Beginning)	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Video Embed	From Jitterbug to Bop	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Video Embed	Kirk Dances at His Benefit (Swinging All Day)	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm	Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm