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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2005-09-18 - De Obeah Mon
Saturday, September 3, 2005 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
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The History of Black Dance in America - Black History Month 2016
Monday, December 28, 2015 - 10:34pm
Tuesday, March 8, 2016 - 8:24pm
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2003-09-06 - Dancer's Groove II at the Hollywood Park Casino
Saturday, September 6, 2003 - 12:00am
Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:14pm
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Dancing in the Hood with Chester Whitmore and the Opus One Band
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
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Vernacular Jazz Workshop
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:14pm
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:14pm
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Central Ave Dance Ensemble performs at TV Land Awards after party
Tuesday, April 27, 2010 - 12:58am
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:21pm
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2005-05-20: Swinging InThe Hood
Saturday, April 30, 2005 - 12:00am
Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:09pm
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2005-01-02 - Kwanzaa Festival
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 12:00am
Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 11:36pm
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Chester Whitmore interview with TheActorsChoice
Monday, April 20, 2020 - 8:01pm
Monday, April 20, 2020 - 8:01pm
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2004-04-24 - Celebration of the life of Leonard Reed
Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
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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.”
