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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Katherine Dunham Video Library and Timeline
Saturday, December 1, 2007 - 6:37pm
Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 2:04am
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Photos from Swinging In The Hood, March 18th, 2005
Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 10:55pm
Monday, December 31, 2007 - 6:04pm
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Info on Toy and Wing
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - 12:01am
Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 1:35am
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Dance Downtown (LA) Schedule
Sunday, September 9, 2007 - 5:16pm
Monday, December 31, 2007 - 5:52pm
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Vintage Videos
Friday, July 13, 2007 - 12:30pm
Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 11:16pm
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Stepper's Internet Connection
Sunday, September 9, 2007 - 5:27pm
Monday, December 31, 2007 - 5:50pm
Basic page
Front Page
Monday, June 23, 2008 - 2:10pm
Monday, June 23, 2008 - 2:10pm
Basic page
Mission Statement
Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 11:51am
Tuesday, August 2, 2016 - 10:13pm
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
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