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:
Type
Title
Post date
Updated/commented date
Event
Vernacular Jazz Workshop
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:13pm
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:13pm
Event
2005-01-02 - Kwanzaa Festival
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 12:00am
Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 11:36pm
Event
2004-04-24 - Celebration of the life of Leonard Reed
Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event
Salsa I and II Lessons at Dance Dimensions
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
Chester Whitmore "Lord of the Swing" Teaches Weekly Swing Class in February
Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:30am
Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:46pm
Event
2005-04-09 - A Tribute To The Motown Sound
Sunday, March 20, 2005 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event
Norma Miller Honored at 30th Annual IABD Conference
Monday, November 27, 2017 - 12:07pm
Monday, February 26, 2018 - 11:49am
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
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