Central Ave Dance Ensemble

The Central Avenue Dance Ensemble

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: 

Type Title Post datesort ascending Updated/commented date
Event LACC Dance Concert Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:14pm
Event LAUSD Ballroom Instruction Fundraiser Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 1:12pm
Event Xanadu Sing-Along Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 1:14pm
Event Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel? Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel? Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel? Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event Mademoiselle Sing, Sing, Sing: An Urban Musical Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event Queen of Swing Documentary hosted by Norma Miller with the Woody Woods Quartet (Las Vegas, NV) Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event 2005-04-22 - Swinging In The Hood Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event 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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