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
2005-05-04: Rusty's Rhythm Club
Saturday, April 30, 2005 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
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
10th American Lindy Hop Championships (Stamford, CT)
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:58pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:58pm
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2004-05-22 - 2004 National Tap Day
Saturday, May 22, 2004 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
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
California Girl Jam 2006
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
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2005-01-21 - Swinging In The Hood Dance
Friday, January 21, 2005 - 12:00am
Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:19pm
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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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2005-03-07 - Salute to African-American Arts and Culture
Wednesday, March 2, 2005 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
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Dance Fusion: Central Ave Dance Ensemble perform Tango Routine at Dance Fusion in Inglewood
Wednesday, June 9, 2010 - 3:12pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:49pm
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