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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Title
Post date
Updated/commented date
Event
2004-04-24 - Celebration of the life of Leonard Reed
Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event
2004-05-22 - 2004 National Tap Day
Saturday, May 22, 2004 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
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
2004-06-19 - A Tribute to the Motown Sound
Tuesday, June 1, 2004 - 12:00am
Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:12pm
Event
2004-09-04 African Marketplace
Saturday, September 4, 2004 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event
2004-12-03 - Swinging In The Hood Dance w/ Chester Whitmore's Opus One Band.
Friday, December 3, 2004 - 12:00am
Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:51pm
Event
2004-12-18 - Lighthouse Cafe in Hermosa Beach
Friday, December 17, 2004 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event
2005-01-02 - Kwanzaa Festival
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 12:00am
Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 11:36pm
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2005-01-08 - Urban Wear Fashion Affair
Saturday, January 8, 2005 - 12:00am
Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:18pm
Event
2005-01-21 - Swinging In The Hood Dance
Friday, January 21, 2005 - 12:00am
Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:19pm
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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.”
