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: 

Typesort descending Title Post date Updated/commented date
Event The Masters of Lindy Hop and Tap Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event 10th American Lindy Hop Championships (Stamford, CT) Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:58pm Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:58pm
Event Chester Whitmore "Lord of the Swing" Teaches Weekly Swing Class in February Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:23am Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:48pm
Event 2005-01-08 - Urban Wear Fashion Affair Saturday, January 8, 2005 - 12:00am Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:18pm
Event Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel? Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event Tribute to Sam Cooke Saturday, May 13, 2017 - 10:40pm Monday, May 22, 2017 - 11:22pm
Event Dancing in the Hood with Chester Whitmore and Opus One Big Band Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event 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
Event CADE at the Central Avenue Jazz Festival Sunday, July 21, 2019 - 4:20pm Sunday, July 21, 2019 - 4:35pm
Event 2004-12-03 - Swinging In The Hood Dance w/ Chester Whitmore's Opus One Band. Friday, December 3, 2004 - 12:00am Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:51pm

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