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
Book page
Bernadette Sebastian
Saturday, January 30, 2016 - 10:24am
Saturday, January 30, 2016 - 11:06am
Book page
Ron Parker (alt)
Saturday, July 30, 2011 - 1:12pm
Thursday, July 21, 2016 - 9:15am
Book page
Principals
Thursday, December 27, 2018 - 7:22pm
Thursday, December 27, 2018 - 7:22pm
Book page
Salvador Corona
Friday, January 21, 2011 - 11:57am
Tuesday, February 2, 2016 - 4:02pm
Book page
Interviews with Chester Whitmore
Saturday, January 9, 2016 - 2:48pm
Monday, April 20, 2020 - 7:52pm
Book page
Beatriz Vasquez
Friday, January 21, 2011 - 11:58am
Thursday, March 11, 2021 - 3:30pm
Book page
Fumi Bankole
Friday, June 12, 2015 - 3:12pm
Tuesday, February 2, 2016 - 4:02pm
Book page
CADE Logo
Friday, February 26, 2021 - 1:59am
Friday, February 26, 2021 - 1:59am
Event
Dancing in the Hood with Chester Whitmore and the Opus One Band
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event
Vernacular Jazz Workshop
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:14pm
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:14pm
Pages
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.”
