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	2004-09-04 African Marketplace	Saturday, September 4, 2004 - 12:00am	Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event	2004-06-19 - A Tribute to the Motown Sound	Tuesday, June 1, 2004 - 12:00am	Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:12pm
Event	2004-06-04 - L.A. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority 75th Anniversary Gala	Friday, June 4, 2004 - 12:00am	Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 11:31pm
Event	2004-05-22 - 2004 National Tap Day	Saturday, May 22, 2004 - 12:00am	Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event	2004-04-24 - Celebration of the life of Leonard Reed	Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 12:00am	Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event	2004-03-01 - Maxwell's in the Argyle Hotel	Monday, March 1, 2004 - 12:00am	Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:13pm
Event	2004-01-20 - Hollywood Park Casino 'Jazz Cool Down' Featuring Linda Hopkins	Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 12:00am	Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event	2004-01-11 - Monsoon's In Santa Monica Opening Night	Sunday, January 11, 2004 - 12:00am	Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:00pm
Event	2003-09-06 - Dancer's Groove II at the Hollywood Park Casino	Saturday, September 6, 2003 - 12:00am	Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:14pm
Video Embed	1929 Smooth Foxtrot by Carsani & Lennard	Monday, November 2, 2009 - 4:00pm	Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm