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: 

Typesort descending Title Post date Updated/commented date
Event Tap Basics | Chester's 8 wk SERIES! Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:08pm Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:08pm
Event LAUSD Ballroom Instruction Fundraiser Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 1:12pm
Event Norma Miller 99th Birthday Bash Sunday, November 18, 2018 - 11:28am Thursday, December 27, 2018 - 6:35pm
Event 10th American Lindy Hop Championships (Stamford, CT) Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:58pm Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:58pm
Event 2005-02-20 - New Creation Christian Faith Center Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 12:00am Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event L.A. Trade Tech Dance Ensemble Reunion '06 Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:10pm
Event Tap Basics | Chester's 8 wk SERIES! Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:06pm Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:06pm
Event Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel? Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event Introducing Jessie Mae Robinson Thursday, October 18, 2018 - 4:09pm Thursday, October 18, 2018 - 4:09pm
Event 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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