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: 

Typesort descending Title Post date Updated/commented date
Event 2005-02-20 - Pan-African American Film and Arts Festival Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 12:00am Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event CentralAveDance at The 5th Annual Uview Media Group Honor Awards 2018 Tuesday, June 19, 2018 - 8:15pm Tuesday, June 19, 2018 - 8:18pm
Event LACC Dance Concert Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:14pm
Event The History of Black Dance in America - Black History Month 2016 Monday, December 28, 2015 - 10:34pm Tuesday, March 8, 2016 - 8:24pm
Event Chester Whitmore in Detroit for tap and jazz Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event 2004-01-11 - Monsoon's In Santa Monica Opening Night Sunday, January 11, 2004 - 12:00am Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:00pm
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 Vernacular Jazz Workshop Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:14pm Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:14pm
Event Xanadu Sing-Along Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 1:14pm
Event The Masters of Lindy Hop and Tap Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm

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