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: 

Typesort descending Title Post date Updated/commented date
Link Savoy Ballroom: A place where African Americans Shined Monday, July 9, 2007 - 12:27pm Monday, December 31, 2007 - 6:04pm
Link Footage of Adele Astaire Friday, June 27, 2008 - 1:42am Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 1:37am
Link What is Lindy Hop? Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 11:00pm Monday, December 31, 2007 - 6:03pm
Link History of the History of Black Dance Sunday, September 25, 2011 - 11:37am Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Link Central Avenue (Los Angeles) Wednesday, July 18, 2007 - 2:15pm Monday, December 31, 2007 - 5:51pm
Link History of Swing (From CentralHome.com) Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 10:48pm Tuesday, January 1, 2008 - 12:59pm
Link Third Street Swingers (Swing on the 3rd Street Promenade) Sunday, September 23, 2007 - 3:09pm Monday, December 31, 2007 - 5:48pm
Link Masters of Lindy Hop and Tap Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 10:50pm Tuesday, January 1, 2008 - 12:52pm
Link 2007 American Lindy Hop Championships Winners Tuesday, November 27, 2007 - 12:25pm Tuesday, November 27, 2007 - 12:27pm
Link Lindy Hop Featured in Life Magazine, August 23, 1943 Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - 11:40am Thursday, March 17, 2016 - 7:38pm

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