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 date	Updated/commented date
Event	LAUSD Ballroom Instruction Fundraiser	Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm	Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 1:12pm
Event	Archive: The Origins of Black Dance (2014)	Monday, April 27, 2015 - 3:33pm	Tuesday, July 21, 2015 - 2:39pm
Event	Archive: The History of Black Dance in America (2012)	Monday, April 27, 2015 - 3:37pm	Tuesday, July 21, 2015 - 2:36pm
Basic page	Beginning Argentine Tango: Volume I	Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 2:56pm	Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed	A FOXTROT Mr Maxwell Stewart and Miss Barbara Miles demonstrate their fox-trot.	Monday, November 2, 2009 - 4:00pm	Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed	Parker Walk Fundamentals: Embrace and Walking	Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 6:13pm	Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed	Absolute Beginner's Guide to Swing: Volume V	Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 6:15pm	Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed	Parker Walk Fundamentals: Connection	Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 5:03pm	Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Blog entry	Cuban Motion in Poinciana Choreography	Monday, January 7, 2008 - 5:37am	Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed	Absolute Beginner's Guide to Swing: Volume III	Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 7:00pm	Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm