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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Chester Whitmore and CentralAveDance at 4th Annual Los Angeles/Leimert Park Theater Festival
Friday, August 11, 2017 - 7:38pm
Saturday, August 19, 2017 - 12:17pm
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Chester Whitmore "Lord of the Swing" Teaches Weekly Swing Class in February
Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:25am
Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:29am
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2005-02-20 - New Creation Christian Faith Center
Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
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Central Ave Dance Ensemble performs at Maxwell DeMille's Cicada Club in LA
Tuesday, May 4, 2010 - 2:02pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:18pm
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LAUSD Ballroom Instruction Fundraiser
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 1:12pm
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A Night at Club Alabam
Friday, May 14, 2021 - 3:19pm
Friday, June 18, 2021 - 2:03pm
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L.A. Trade Tech Dance Ensemble Reunion '06
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:10pm
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Tribute to Michael Jackson
Saturday, May 13, 2017 - 10:43pm
Sunday, May 14, 2017 - 10:43pm
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Chester Whitmore "Lord of the Swing" Teaches Weekly Swing Class
Tuesday, October 8, 2019 - 5:02pm
Tuesday, October 8, 2019 - 5:02pm
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2005-02-18 - Swingin In The Hood
Friday, February 18, 2005 - 12:00am
Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:01pm
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