Central Ave Dance Ensemble
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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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MaDonna Grimes
Wednesday, December 23, 2015 - 7:29am
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:37pm
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The Parker Walk
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:26pm
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La Cumparsita
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:24pm
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Poinciana (Herb Jeffries performance)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:24pm
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Jitterbug History featuring White's Lindy hoppers
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:22pm
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Toni's Greatest Hits
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 7:01pm
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Chester Whitmore and Rusty Frank - Vaudeville Act 1993
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 4:40pm
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 12:24pm
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Killing Myself
Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:48pm
Thursday, January 11, 2018 - 12:56am
Event
Chester Whitmore and CentralAveDance at 4th Annual Los Angeles/Leimert Park Theater Festival
Friday, August 11, 2017 - 7:38pm
Saturday, August 19, 2017 - 12:17pm
Event
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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