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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Tribute to Sam Cooke
Saturday, May 13, 2017 - 10:40pm
Monday, May 22, 2017 - 11:22pm
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LACC Dance Concert
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:14pm
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CADE at the Central Avenue Jazz Festival
Sunday, July 21, 2019 - 4:20pm
Sunday, July 21, 2019 - 4:35pm
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AfricaDance & Drum Conference
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:55pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:55pm
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2005-02-20 - Pan-African American Film and Arts Festival
Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event
Tap Basics | Chester's 8 wk SERIES!
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:08pm
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:08pm
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Chester Whitmore in Detroit for tap and jazz
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
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Xanadu Sing-Along
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 1:14pm
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Parkinson's: Ron performs at the Parkinson's Resource Organization Fundraiser
Monday, July 19, 2010 - 1:09am
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:48pm
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2005-01-28 - 17th Annual International Association of Blacks In Dance Conference
Wednesday, February 2, 2005 - 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.”
