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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Software Creations
Thursday, June 14, 2007 - 12:17am
Monday, December 31, 2007 - 6:13pm
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Ballin' The Jack
Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 10:38pm
Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 2:10am
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Southern California Lindy Society
Sunday, January 14, 2007 - 10:57pm
Monday, December 31, 2007 - 6:10pm
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ShimSham 11
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:41pm
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RonAndXia 17
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:05pm
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:05pm
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RonAndXia 84
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:17pm
Thursday, March 10, 2016 - 6:56pm
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Video thumbnail for Parker Walk Fundamentals: Connection
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 5:03pm
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 9:40pm
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SwingArizonaTrip 00091
Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:16pm
Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:16pm
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SwingArizonaTrip 00052
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:56pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:56pm
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DSC_4298
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm
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Central Avenue Dance Ensemble
“One of the benefits of knowledge is that it is portable: Anything you learn you take with you wherever you go for the rest of your life.”
-Paul Thornhill
Chester Whitmore’s Message
“My approach to dance is life itself, places people and things that have happened in our lifetime and creating dance forms for the audience about feelings, emotions in life that they may have overlooked. In addition, I want my dances to purely entertain as well as educate. At this stage in my career, I still have much to contribute to the world of dance as a performer, instructor, choreographer and educator. While I possess many years of experience in all of these areas, and as a music historian, musician and composer, I endeavor endlessly to further develop my skills and share them with others.”