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
Basic page Central Avenue Dance Ensemble Bios (Old) Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 11:31am Tuesday, April 16, 2013 - 12:03am
Basic page Essence of Swing I: Beginning Lindy Hop with Chester Whitmore Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 9:38pm Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Basic page CADE - Chester's Message Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 9:29pm Monday, August 22, 2016 - 7:01pm
Basic page Sharp as a Tack lyrics Wednesday, February 13, 2008 - 11:49pm Wednesday, February 13, 2008 - 11:55pm

Pages

 

Group: 
This is a closed group. Only a group administrator can add you.
Group visibility: 
Public - accessible to all site users
Public Attachments: