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: 

Type Title Post date Updated/commented datesort ascending
Event The History of Black Dance in America - Part 2 Tuesday, January 25, 2022 - 9:08pm Tuesday, February 8, 2022 - 11:30am
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
Article Ron Parker Monday, June 7, 2010 - 3:42pm Tuesday, July 20, 2021 - 2:26pm
Event A Night at Club Alabam Friday, May 14, 2021 - 3:19pm Friday, June 18, 2021 - 2:03pm
Book page Beatriz Vasquez Friday, January 21, 2011 - 11:58am Thursday, March 11, 2021 - 3:30pm
Video Embed HBDA Tangovino Bottle Lights Tuesday, March 9, 2021 - 5:25pm Tuesday, March 9, 2021 - 5:40pm
Event Tap Basics | Chester's 8 wk SERIES! Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:09pm Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:09pm
Event Tap Basics | Chester's 8 wk SERIES! Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:08pm Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:08pm
Event Tap Basics | Chester's 8 wk SERIES! Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:08pm Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:08pm
Event Tap Basics | Chester's 8 wk SERIES! Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:07pm Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:07pm

Pages

 

Group: 
This is a closed group. Only a group administrator can add you.
Group visibility: 
Public - accessible to all site users
Public Attachments: