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 "Lord of the Swing" Teaches Weekly Swing Class in February
Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:28am
Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:46pm
Event
Chester Whitmore "Lord of the Swing" Teaches Weekly Swing Class in February
Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:25am
Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:29am
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
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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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CADE at the Central Avenue Jazz Festival
Sunday, July 21, 2019 - 4:20pm
Sunday, July 21, 2019 - 4:35pm
Event
History of Central Avenue, Session II
Sunday, November 18, 2018 - 11:17am
Friday, June 7, 2019 - 10:11am
Basic page
Contact
Tuesday, May 7, 2019 - 11:24pm
Tuesday, May 7, 2019 - 11:25pm
Book page
Principals
Thursday, December 27, 2018 - 7:22pm
Thursday, December 27, 2018 - 7:22pm
Book page
Rosa Harris
Wednesday, June 10, 2015 - 2:40pm
Thursday, December 27, 2018 - 7:17pm
Event
Lord of the Swing - Ford Theater
Saturday, September 10, 2016 - 6:32pm
Thursday, December 27, 2018 - 6:35pm
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Central Avenue Dance Ensemble
“One of the benefits of knowledge is that it is portable: Anything you learn you take with you wherever you go for the rest of your life.”
-Paul Thornhill
Chester Whitmore’s Message
“My approach to dance is life itself, places people and things that have happened in our lifetime and creating dance forms for the audience about feelings, emotions in life 
that they may have overlooked. In addition, I want my dances to purely entertain as well as educate. At this stage in my career, I still have much to contribute to the world of dance as a performer, instructor, choreographer and educator. While I possess many years of experience in all of these areas, and as a music historian, musician and composer, I endeavor endlessly to further develop my skills and share them with others.”
