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
2004-06-04 - L.A. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority 75th Anniversary Gala
Friday, June 4, 2004 - 12:00am
Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 11:31pm
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CHESTER WHITMORE'S TAP & JAZZ REVUE at Union Station Los Angeles
Monday, July 3, 2017 - 5:50pm
Friday, July 14, 2017 - 10:25am
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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
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2005-04-09 - A Tribute To The Motown Sound
Sunday, March 20, 2005 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
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Chester Whitmore "Lord of the Swing" Teaches Weekly Swing Class in February
Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:23am
Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:48pm
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Sandra Giles: CADE Performs at Sandra Giles Birthday Party
Tuesday, July 6, 2010 - 7:23pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:23pm
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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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Opus One Big Band at Rusty's Rhythm Club
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
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Unity Praise Dancers and Company Presents: Ignite The Praise 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm
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Tribute to Sam Cooke
Saturday, May 13, 2017 - 10:40pm
Monday, May 22, 2017 - 11:22pm
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