The History of Black Dance In America

Central Avenue Dance Ensemble to present a retrospective of African and African-American inspired social dances from the 1800s to today

INGLEWOOD, CA –The Central Avenue Dance Ensemble, in honor of Black History Month, is producing a 2-hour multimedia dance performance entitled The History of Black Dance in America. Directed by master choreographer, dancer, and band leader Chester Whitmore, the show will be a retrospective of African and African-American inspired social dances that have been popularly danced in the United States from the 1800s to today. Historical dances included will be Work Songs, Cakewalk, Buck Dance, Charleston, Lindy Hop, Foxtrot, and the African inspired Latin-American dances. Post-Swing era dances include “fad dances” such as Detroit Ballroom and Chicago Style Step.

The goal of The History of Black Dance in America is to build awareness and appreciation for the American vernacular dances which developed within the African-American community, whose influence flourishes in the American social dances danced today. While most of these dances are recognized as an integral part of American culture, many Americans do not know of their history. For example, the Cakewalk began as a plantation dance danced by slaves to mimic high society Whites. The dance was so amusing that plantation owners held competitions, and the winning slaves would receive cake as their prize, hence the name, “Cakewalk.” This story and more will be told through live performances and narrated video, starting with the plantation dances of the slavery era through today.

The History of Black Dance in America will be performed on Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at the state-of-the-art Crozier Visual and Performing Arts Theater, 124 N Grevillea Ave in Inglewood, CA, 90301. For more information visit www.historyofblackdance.org.

Proceeds from the performance will benefit The Crozier Middle School “Gents” Character building program.

Who/What:
The Central Avenue Dance Ensemble, directed by Chester Whitmore, presents “The History of Black Dance in America,” a retrospective of African and African-American inspired social dances from the 1800s to today.

Why:
To entertain and educate on the history and cultural relevance of African-American inspired social dances that have been and popularly danced in the United States. Also, to honor Black History Month.

When:
Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.

Where:
Crozier Visual and Performing Arts Theater
124 N Grevillea Ave
Inglewood, CA 90301

ABOUT THE CENTRAL AVENUE DANCE ENSEMBLE:

The Central Avenue Dance Ensemble is a 12-member performance group led by master choreographer, dancer, and band-leader Chester Whitmore. The group's 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), in addition to dances derived from them, such as the Chicago Bop (1960s) and Steppin’ (1990s). The group aims 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).

The company consists of the following team members: Gwen Allen, Nzinga Camara, Salvador Corona, Atir Davis, Lauren Duda, Adunni McPhearson, Percival Neal, Ron Parker, Gwen Robinson, Reginald Thornton, Beatriz Vasquez, Chester Whitmore and Chester Whitmore, Jr.

This dynamic troupe has entertained at numerous local events including A Tribute to Katherine Dunham, A Tribute to Norma Miller (also performed in Minneapolis, MN), and the African American Music Festival at UCLA. Television appearances include Disney’s That’s So Raven, HBO,s Golden Globe, SAG and Emmy award winning Lackawana Blues and Oprah Winfrey’s production of Their Eyes Were Watching God starring Halle Berry.

HISTORY OF BLACK DANCE IN AMERICA MEDIA CONTACT:

For additional information, interviews, special show arrangements, at-event liaison, please contact:

Livia Squires
Squires Public Relations
10866 Washington Blvd.
No. 346
Culver City, CA 90232

Email: contact@squirespr.com
Phone: 323.375.4890

This release was published on openPR.