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	Lord of the Swing - Ford Theater	Saturday, September 10, 2016 - 6:32pm	Thursday, December 27, 2018 - 6:35pm
Event	Queen of Swing Documentary hosted by Norma Miller with the Woody Woods Quartet (Las Vegas, NV)	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	Tap Basics \| Chester's 8 wk SERIES!	Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:07pm	Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:07pm
Event	2004-09-04 African Marketplace	Saturday, September 4, 2004 - 12:00am	Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event	2005-05-29 - Praise God In Dance	Monday, May 30, 2005 - 12:00am	Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event	History of Central Avenue, Session II	Sunday, November 18, 2018 - 11:17am	Friday, June 7, 2019 - 10:11am
Event	Dance Fusion Fundraiser Dance	Monday, August 8, 2016 - 5:47pm	Saturday, September 10, 2016 - 6:54pm
Event	2005-04-22 - Swinging In The Hood	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