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
Chester Whitmore in Detroit for tap and jazz
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event
Norma Miller Honored at 30th Annual IABD Conference
Monday, November 27, 2017 - 12:07pm
Monday, February 26, 2018 - 11:49am
Event
"HEALING THROUGH MUSIC" STRAIGHT JAZZ WITH A SPLASH OF BLUES
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 - 6:32pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:17pm
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
Xanadu Sing-Along
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 1:14pm
Event
Chester Whitmore "Lord of the Swing" Teaches Weekly Swing Class in February
Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:26am
Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:27am
Event
The Masters of Lindy Hop and Tap
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event
CHESTER WHITMORE'S TAP & JAZZ REVUE at Union Station Los Angeles
Monday, July 3, 2017 - 5:50pm
Friday, July 14, 2017 - 10:25am
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
Event
2004-01-11 - Monsoon's In Santa Monica Opening Night
Sunday, January 11, 2004 - 12:00am
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:00pm
Pages