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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Event
Tap Basics | Chester's 8 wk SERIES!
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:07pm
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:07pm
Event
The History of Black Dance in America (2015) - Saturday
Monday, April 27, 2015 - 4:27pm
Tuesday, November 24, 2015 - 2:43pm
Event
Harlem Nights Steppers Ball
Monday, August 16, 2010 - 4:20pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:46pm
Event
2005-02-26 - Swinging With The Stars Dance Workshop and Event
Monday, February 28, 2005 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
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History of Central Avenue, Session II
Sunday, November 18, 2018 - 11:17am
Friday, June 7, 2019 - 10:11am
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Dunham Tradition
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm
Event
CADE Performs at USA Dance LA Halloween Ball
Saturday, November 19, 2011 - 1:58pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:26pm
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Dance Fusion Fundraiser Dance
Monday, August 8, 2016 - 5:47pm
Saturday, September 10, 2016 - 6:54pm
Event
Chester Whitmore Dancing in the Hood with the Opus One Big Band
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event
Tap Basics | Chester's 8 wk SERIES!
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:06pm
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:06pm
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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.”
