Central Ave Dance Ensemble
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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:
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Event
Cotton Club Night - Association of Black Women Physicians
Thursday, August 19, 2010 - 11:35am
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:47pm
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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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Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel?
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
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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
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The History of Black Dance in America (2015) - Friday
Monday, April 27, 2015 - 4:26pm
Tuesday, November 24, 2015 - 2:43pm
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2005-01-08 - Urban Wear Fashion Affair
Saturday, January 8, 2005 - 12:00am
Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:18pm
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The History of Black Dance in America - Part 2
Tuesday, January 25, 2022 - 9:08pm
Tuesday, February 8, 2022 - 11:30am
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Archive: The History of Black Dance in America (2011)
Tuesday, January 4, 2011 - 9:45am
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:32pm
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Chester Whitmore "Lord of the Swing" Teaches Weekly Swing Class in February
Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:25am
Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:29am
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Thixotix Runway Dance Fusion
Thursday, August 19, 2010 - 11:10am
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:45pm
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