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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Event
Dancing in the Hood with Chester Whitmore and the Opus One Band
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
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Central Ave Dance Ensemble performs at Santa Monica Tango Festival
Tuesday, April 27, 2010 - 1:08am
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:20pm
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2003-09-06 - Dancer's Groove II at the Hollywood Park Casino
Saturday, September 6, 2003 - 12:00am
Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:14pm
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2005-05-20: Swinging InThe Hood
Saturday, April 30, 2005 - 12:00am
Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:09pm
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Lord of the Swing - Ford Theater
Saturday, September 10, 2016 - 6:32pm
Thursday, December 27, 2018 - 6:35pm
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2005-01-02 - Kwanzaa Festival
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 12:00am
Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 11:36pm
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The History of Black Dance in America Photo Exhibition and Fundraiser
Wednesday, February 3, 2016 - 5:02pm
Thursday, February 4, 2016 - 8:06pm
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Tap Basics | Chester's 8 wk SERIES!
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:07pm
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:07pm
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Salsa I and II Lessons at Dance Dimensions
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
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"HEALING THROUGH MUSIC" STRAIGHT JAZZ WITH A SPLASH OF BLUES
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 - 6:32pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:17pm
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