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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Tap Basics | Chester's 8 wk SERIES!
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:05pm
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:05pm
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2004-01-20 - Hollywood Park Casino 'Jazz Cool Down' Featuring Linda Hopkins
Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
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Vernacular Jazz Workshop
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:15pm
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:15pm
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2005-04-22 - Swinging In The Hood
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
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2004-03-01 - Maxwell's in the Argyle Hotel
Monday, March 1, 2004 - 12:00am
Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:13pm
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Sandra Giles: CADE Performs at Sandra Giles Birthday Party
Tuesday, July 6, 2010 - 7:23pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:23pm
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The History of Black Dance in America Photo Exhibition and Fundraiser
Wednesday, February 24, 2016 - 4:23pm
Wednesday, August 17, 2016 - 3:24pm
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2005-05-04: Rusty's Rhythm Club
Saturday, April 30, 2005 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
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The Best of The History of Black Dance in America
Monday, February 8, 2021 - 8:05pm
Wednesday, March 3, 2021 - 11:01am
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2004-05-22 - 2004 National Tap Day
Saturday, May 22, 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.”
