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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Central Avenue (Los Angeles)
Wednesday, July 18, 2007 - 2:15pm
Monday, December 31, 2007 - 5:51pm
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History of Swing (From CentralHome.com)
Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 10:48pm
Tuesday, January 1, 2008 - 12:59pm
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Third Street Swingers (Swing on the 3rd Street Promenade)
Sunday, September 23, 2007 - 3:09pm
Monday, December 31, 2007 - 5:48pm
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Masters of Lindy Hop and Tap
Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 10:50pm
Tuesday, January 1, 2008 - 12:52pm
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2007 American Lindy Hop Championships Winners
Tuesday, November 27, 2007 - 12:25pm
Tuesday, November 27, 2007 - 12:27pm
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Orgins of West Coast Swing
Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 10:54pm
Tuesday, January 1, 2008 - 12:45pm
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Clog and Step Dance Festival - 1990
Friday, November 23, 2007 - 11:54am
Friday, November 23, 2007 - 11:54am
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Arm Tone
Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 10:35pm
Monday, December 31, 2007 - 6:27pm
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Dance Dimensions Studio
Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 10:47pm
Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 2:59am
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Lindy Hop Featured in Life Magazine, August 23, 1943
Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - 11:40am
Thursday, March 17, 2016 - 7:38pm
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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.”
