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 date
Event	The Best of The History of Black Dance in America	Monday, February 8, 2021 - 8:05pm	Wednesday, March 3, 2021 - 11:01am
Event	Chester Whitmore and the Central Ave Dance Ensemble perform at Barbara Morrison's Juneteenth Show	Tuesday, June 1, 2010 - 1:48pm	Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:24pm
Event	2005-02-18 - Swingin In The Hood	Friday, February 18, 2005 - 12:00am	Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:01pm
Event	Vernacular Jazz Workshop	Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:13pm	Monday, April 30, 2018 - 8:13pm
Event	Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel?	Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm	Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event	Benefit Dance for Kirk Tuey	Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm	Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event	Chester Whitmore "Lord of the Swing" Teaches Weekly Swing Class in February	Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:30am	Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:46pm
Event	Central Ave Dance Ensemble performs at TV Land Awards after party	Tuesday, April 27, 2010 - 12:58am	Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:21pm
Event	2004-12-18 - Lighthouse Cafe in Hermosa Beach	Friday, December 17, 2004 - 12:00am	Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event	Norma Miller Honored at 30th Annual IABD Conference	Monday, November 27, 2017 - 12:07pm	Monday, February 26, 2018 - 11:49am