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
Link
How To Dress For Dancing
Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 10:49pm
Tuesday, January 1, 2008 - 12:55pm
Link
The Great Black Way: L.A.'s Central Avenue in the 1940s and the Lost African-American Renaissance
Wednesday, July 18, 2007 - 2:08pm
Monday, December 31, 2007 - 5:38pm
Link
Origins Of Swing Dancing
Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 10:52pm
Tuesday, January 1, 2008 - 12:48pm
Link
2007 US Open Swing Dance Championships Winners
Tuesday, November 27, 2007 - 12:15pm
Tuesday, November 27, 2007 - 12:15pm
Link
Collins Productions
Thursday, September 6, 2007 - 11:36am
Monday, December 31, 2007 - 6:30pm
Link
Ballroom Dance (definition)
Wednesday, November 21, 2007 - 12:47pm
Wednesday, November 21, 2007 - 12:47pm
Basic page
Central Avenue Dance Ensemble Bios (Old)
Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 11:31am
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 - 12:03am
Basic page
Essence of Swing I: Beginning Lindy Hop with Chester Whitmore
Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 9:38pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Basic page
CADE - Chester's Message
Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 9:29pm
Monday, August 22, 2016 - 7:01pm
Basic page
Sharp as a Tack lyrics
Wednesday, February 13, 2008 - 11:49pm
Wednesday, February 13, 2008 - 11:55pm
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.”
