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	Tap Basics \| Chester's 8 wk SERIES!	Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:08pm	Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:08pm
Event	2005-05-20: Swinging InThe Hood	Saturday, April 30, 2005 - 12:00am	Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 10:09pm
Event	2005-01-02 - Kwanzaa Festival	Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 12:00am	Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 11:36pm
Event	Parkinson's: Ron performs at the Parkinson's Resource Organization Fundraiser	Monday, July 19, 2010 - 1:09am	Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 4:48pm
Event	2004-04-24 - Celebration of the life of Leonard Reed	Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 12:00am	Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event	Salsa I and II Lessons at Dance Dimensions	Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm	Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:08pm
Event	The History of Black Dance in America (2015) - Saturday	Monday, April 27, 2015 - 4:27pm	Tuesday, November 24, 2015 - 2:43pm
Event	2005-04-09 - A Tribute To The Motown Sound	Sunday, March 20, 2005 - 12:00am	Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:46pm
Event	Lord of the Swing - Ford Theater	Saturday, September 10, 2016 - 6:32pm	Thursday, December 27, 2018 - 6:35pm
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