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
Event Salsa I and II Lessons at Dance Dimensions Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event Dancing in the Hood with Chester Whitmore and the Opus One Band Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event Chester Whitmore Dancing in the Hood with the Opus One Big Band Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event Opus One Big Band at Rusty's Rhythm Club Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event A Tribute to Norma Miller Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event California Girl Jam 2006 Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event Chester Whitmore in Detroit for tap and jazz Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event The Masters of Lindy Hop and Tap Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event Dancing in the Hood with Chester Whitmore and Opus One Big Band Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event Chester Teaches Lindy Hop at Dance Dimensions Studios Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm

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