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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Dance Dimensions Studio
Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 10:47pm
Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 2:59am
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Lindy Hop Featured in Life Magazine, August 23, 1943
Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - 11:40am
Thursday, March 17, 2016 - 7:38pm
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Software Creations
Thursday, June 14, 2007 - 12:17am
Monday, December 31, 2007 - 6:13pm
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Ballin' The Jack
Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 10:38pm
Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 2:10am
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Southern California Lindy Society
Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 10:57pm
Monday, December 31, 2007 - 6:10pm
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Katherine Dunham Video Library and Timeline
Saturday, December 1, 2007 - 6:37pm
Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 2:04am
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Photos from Swinging In The Hood, March 18th, 2005
Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 10:55pm
Monday, December 31, 2007 - 6:04pm
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Info on Toy and Wing
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - 12:01am
Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 1:35am
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Dance Downtown (LA) Schedule
Sunday, September 9, 2007 - 5:16pm
Monday, December 31, 2007 - 5:52pm
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Vintage Videos
Friday, July 13, 2007 - 12:30pm
Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 11:16pm
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