Central Ave Dance Ensemble
Primary tabs
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
The Los Angeles Public Library presents: "The History of Black Dance in America"
Saturday, August 21, 2021 - 4:18pm
Saturday, August 21, 2021 - 4:18pm
Image
RonAndXia 96
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:17pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 12:17pm
Image
SwingArizonaTrip 00067
Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:15pm
Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:15pm
Image
RonAndXia 22
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:05pm
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 8:05pm
Image
SwingArizonaTrip 00133
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 9:59pm
Image
DSC_4306
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm
Monday, December 6, 2010 - 2:38pm
Image
Ron And Lynn
Friday, October 1, 2010 - 5:48pm
Friday, October 1, 2010 - 5:48pm
Image
ChesterTaps 35
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:02pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:02pm
Image
ShimSham 64
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:42pm
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 3:42pm
Image
SwingingInTheHood050318 00006
Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:58pm
Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:58pm
Pages