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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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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AfricaDance & Drum Conference
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:55pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:55pm
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10th American Lindy Hop Championships (Stamford, CT)
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:58pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:58pm
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2004-01-11 - Monsoon's In Santa Monica Opening Night
Sunday, January 11, 2004 - 12:00am
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:00pm
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L.A. Trade Tech Dance Ensemble Reunion '06
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:10pm
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Motor City Jam
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:14pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:14pm
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LACC Dance Concert
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:14pm
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"HEALING THROUGH MUSIC" STRAIGHT JAZZ WITH A SPLASH OF BLUES
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 - 6:32pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:17pm
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Central Ave Dance Ensemble performs at Maxwell DeMille's Cicada Club in LA
Tuesday, May 4, 2010 - 2:02pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:18pm
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Central Ave Dance Ensemble performs at Santa Monica Tango Festival
Tuesday, April 27, 2010 - 1:08am
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:20pm
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