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
Article	Reginald Thornton	Wednesday, June 9, 2010 - 4:58pm	Thursday, July 21, 2016 - 9:19am
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
Image	The Ensemble Waltzes at Toys for Tots	Wednesday, June 9, 2010 - 12:26pm	Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Article	Ron Parker	Monday, June 7, 2010 - 3:42pm	Tuesday, July 20, 2021 - 2:26pm
Event	Chester Whitmore and the Central Ave Dance Ensemble perform at Barbara Morrison's Juneteenth Show	Tuesday, June 1, 2010 - 1:48pm	Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:24pm
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	Central Ave Dance Ensemble performs at Santa Monica Tango Festival	Tuesday, April 27, 2010 - 1:08am	Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:20pm
Event	Central Ave Dance Ensemble performs at TV Land Awards after party	Tuesday, April 27, 2010 - 12:58am	Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:21pm
Image	Central Avenue Dance Ensemble with Fayard Nicholas and Chester Whitmore. National Tap Day, 2004, World Park, Thousand Oaks, CA	Sunday, April 25, 2010 - 2:31pm	Sunday, April 25, 2010 - 2:31pm
Video Embed	Savoy Ballroom Foxtrot	Wednesday, February 10, 2010 - 12:37am	Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm