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 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
Event 2005-01-02 - Kwanzaa Festival Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 12:00am Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 11:36pm
Event 2005-05-20: Swinging InThe Hood Saturday, April 30, 2005 - 12:00am Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:09pm
Event Salsa I and II Lessons at Dance Dimensions Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event Birth of Swing Saturday, September 10, 2016 - 6:41pm Saturday, September 10, 2016 - 6:41pm
Event 2004-04-24 - Celebration of the life of Leonard Reed Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 12:00am Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event Tap Basics | Chester's 8 wk SERIES! Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:08pm Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:08pm
Event Motor City Jam Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:14pm Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:14pm
Event 2004-06-04 - L.A. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority 75th Anniversary Gala Friday, June 4, 2004 - 12:00am Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 11:31pm
Event Norma Miller 99th Birthday Bash Sunday, November 18, 2018 - 11:28am Thursday, December 27, 2018 - 6:35pm

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