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
Video Embed
The Truth (About Success)
Saturday, August 28, 2010 - 11:26am
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:52pm
Video Embed
The Parker Walk
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:26pm
Image
The Opus One Band. In Technicolor!
Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 12:59pm
Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 1:25pm
Event
The Masters of Lindy Hop and Tap
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
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
Video Embed
The Kissing Bandit
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:31pm
Saturday, September 26, 2015 - 3:54pm
Event
The History of Black Dance in America Photo Exhibition and Fundraiser
Wednesday, February 24, 2016 - 4:23pm
Wednesday, August 17, 2016 - 3:24pm
Event
The History of Black Dance in America Photo Exhibition and Fundraiser
Wednesday, February 3, 2016 - 5:02pm
Thursday, February 4, 2016 - 8:06pm
Video Embed
The History of Black Dance in America - Promo 2012
Thursday, February 18, 2016 - 6:40pm
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:38pm
Event
The History of Black Dance in America - Part 2
Tuesday, January 25, 2022 - 9:08pm
Tuesday, February 8, 2022 - 11:30am
Pages