Central Ave Dance Ensemble
Primary tabs
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 date
Updated/commented date
Event
Chester Whitmore and CentralAveDance at 4th Annual Los Angeles/Leimert Park Theater Festival
Friday, August 11, 2017 - 7:38pm
Saturday, August 19, 2017 - 12:17pm
Event
The History of Black Dance in America - Part 2
Tuesday, January 25, 2022 - 9:08pm
Tuesday, February 8, 2022 - 11:30am
Event
Benefit Dance for Kirk Tuey
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
Chester Whitmore "Lord of the Swing" Teaches Weekly Swing Class in February
Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:25am
Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:29am
Event
2004-12-18 - Lighthouse Cafe in Hermosa Beach
Friday, December 17, 2004 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event
Motor City Jam
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:14pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:14pm
Book page
Chelsea Schetter
Saturday, January 30, 2016 - 10:28am
Saturday, January 30, 2016 - 11:07am
Book page
Five Star Center / Epworth Methodist Church Research
Thursday, January 5, 2017 - 12:25am
Friday, January 6, 2017 - 1:18am
Book page
Rosa Harris
Wednesday, June 10, 2015 - 2:40pm
Thursday, December 27, 2018 - 7:17pm
Pages