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	The History of Black Dance in America Photo Exhibition and Fundraiser	Wednesday, February 3, 2016 - 5:02pm	Thursday, February 4, 2016 - 8:06pm
Event	Norma Miller Honored at 30th Annual IABD Conference	Monday, November 27, 2017 - 12:07pm	Monday, February 26, 2018 - 11:49am
Event	Chester Whitmore "Lord of the Swing" Teaches Weekly Swing Class in February	Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:26am	Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:27am
Event	Benefit Dance for Kirk Tuey	Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm	Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event	"HEALING THROUGH MUSIC" STRAIGHT JAZZ WITH A SPLASH OF BLUES	Tuesday, July 13, 2010 - 6:32pm	Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:17pm
Event	2004-12-18 - Lighthouse Cafe in Hermosa Beach	Friday, December 17, 2004 - 12:00am	Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event	The Los Angeles Public Library presents: "The History of Black Dance in America"	Saturday, August 21, 2021 - 4:18pm	Saturday, August 21, 2021 - 4:18pm
Event	Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel?	Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm	Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event	CHESTER WHITMORE'S TAP & JAZZ REVUE at Union Station Los Angeles	Monday, July 3, 2017 - 5:50pm	Friday, July 14, 2017 - 10:25am
Event	Chester Whitmore "Lord of the Swing" Teaches Weekly Swing Class in February	Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:23am	Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:48pm