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 Fusion: Central Ave Dance Ensemble perform Tango Routine at Dance Fusion in Inglewood
Wednesday, June 9, 2010 - 3:12pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:49pm
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Birth of Swing
Saturday, September 10, 2016 - 6:41pm
Saturday, September 10, 2016 - 6:41pm
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2005-02-20 - Pan-African American Film and Arts Festival
Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
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Tap Basics | Chester's 8 wk SERIES!
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:08pm
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:08pm
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The History of Black Dance in America (2015) - Sunday
Monday, April 27, 2015 - 4:28pm
Tuesday, November 24, 2015 - 2:42pm
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LACC Dance Concert
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:14pm
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Norma Miller 99th Birthday Bash
Sunday, November 18, 2018 - 11:28am
Thursday, December 27, 2018 - 6:35pm
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Chester Whitmore in Detroit for tap and jazz
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
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Cotton Club Night - Association of Black Women Physicians
Thursday, August 19, 2010 - 11:35am
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:47pm
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Archive: The History of Black Dance in America (2011)
Tuesday, January 4, 2011 - 9:45am
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:32pm
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