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 datesort ascending Updated/commented date
Event 2005-01-28 - 17th Annual International Association of Blacks In Dance Conference Wednesday, February 2, 2005 - 12:00am Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event 2005-01-21 - Swinging In The Hood Dance Friday, January 21, 2005 - 12:00am Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:19pm
Event 2005-01-08 - Urban Wear Fashion Affair Saturday, January 8, 2005 - 12:00am Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:18pm
Event 2005-01-02 - Kwanzaa Festival Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 12:00am Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 11:36pm
Event 2004-12-18 - Lighthouse Cafe in Hermosa Beach Friday, December 17, 2004 - 12:00am Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event 2004-12-03 - Swinging In The Hood Dance w/ Chester Whitmore's Opus One Band. Friday, December 3, 2004 - 12:00am Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:51pm
Event 2004-09-04 African Marketplace Saturday, September 4, 2004 - 12:00am Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event 2004-06-04 - L.A. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority 75th Anniversary Gala Friday, June 4, 2004 - 12:00am Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 11:31pm
Event 2004-06-19 - A Tribute to the Motown Sound Tuesday, June 1, 2004 - 12:00am Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:12pm
Event 2004-05-22 - 2004 National Tap Day Saturday, May 22, 2004 - 12:00am Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm

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