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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The Los Angeles Public Library presents: "The History of Black Dance in America"
Saturday, August 21, 2021 - 4:18pm
Saturday, August 21, 2021 - 4:18pm
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The Masters of Lindy Hop and Tap
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
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The Opus One Band. In Technicolor!
Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:59pm
Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 1:25pm
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The Parker Walk
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:26pm
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The Truth (About Success)
Saturday, August 28, 2010 - 11:26am
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:52pm
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Third Street Swingers (Swing on the 3rd Street Promenade)
Sunday, September 23, 2007 - 3:09pm
Monday, December 31, 2007 - 5:48pm
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Thixotix Runway Dance Fusion
Thursday, August 19, 2010 - 11:10am
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:45pm
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Toni's Greatest Hits
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:01pm
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Tribute to Chester Whitmore
Tuesday, June 28, 2016 - 9:34am
Tuesday, June 28, 2016 - 9:35am
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Tribute to Michael Jackson
Saturday, May 13, 2017 - 10:43pm
Sunday, May 14, 2017 - 10:43pm
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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.”