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	A Tribute to Norma Miller	Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm	Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event	2005-03-18 - Swinging In The Hood	Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 12:00am	Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event	Chester Whitmore interview with TheActorsChoice	Monday, April 20, 2020 - 8:01pm	Monday, April 20, 2020 - 8:01pm
Event	Dunham Tradition	Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm	Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm
Event	Central Ave Dance Ensemble performs at TV Land Awards after party	Tuesday, April 27, 2010 - 12:58am	Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:21pm
Event	Chester Teaches Lindy Hop at Dance Dimensions Studios	Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm	Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event	2005-02-20 - New Creation Christian Faith Center	Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 12:00am	Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event	Chester Whitmore "Lord of the Swing" Teaches Weekly Swing Class in February	Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:28am	Sunday, February 2, 2020 - 3:46pm
Event	LAUSD Ballroom Instruction Fundraiser	Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm	Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 1:12pm
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