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 date	Updated/commented date
Event	2004-01-20 - Hollywood Park Casino 'Jazz Cool Down' Featuring Linda Hopkins	Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 12:00am	Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event	2005-04-22 - Swinging In The Hood	Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm	Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event	Vernacular Jazz Workshop	Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:13pm	Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:13pm
Event	Central Ave Dance Ensemble performs at Santa Monica Tango Festival	Tuesday, April 27, 2010 - 1:08am	Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:20pm
Event	2005-05-04: Rusty's Rhythm Club	Saturday, April 30, 2005 - 12:00am	Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event	2004-03-01 - Maxwell's in the Argyle Hotel	Monday, March 1, 2004 - 12:00am	Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:13pm
Event	Chester Whitmore "Lord of the Swing" Teaches Weekly Swing Class in February	Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:30am	Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:46pm
Event	2004-05-22 - 2004 National Tap Day	Saturday, May 22, 2004 - 12:00am	Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event	The History of Black Dance in America Photo Exhibition and Fundraiser	Wednesday, February 3, 2016 - 5:02pm	Thursday, February 4, 2016 - 8:06pm
Event	California Girl Jam 2006	Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm	Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm