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:
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Argentine Tango Fundamentals | Candombe Milonga Classes
Sunday, November 30, 2025 - 12:45pm
Sunday, November 30, 2025 - 12:46pm
Book page
Argentine Tango | Candombe Milonga
Thursday, November 27, 2025 - 9:13pm
Sunday, November 30, 2025 - 12:56pm
Event
The History of Black Dance in America - Part 2
Tuesday, January 25, 2022 - 9:08pm
Tuesday, February 8, 2022 - 11:30am
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The Los Angeles Public Library presents: "The History of Black Dance in America"
Saturday, August 21, 2021 - 4:18pm
Saturday, August 21, 2021 - 4:18pm
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A Night at Club Alabam
Friday, May 14, 2021 - 3:19pm
Friday, June 18, 2021 - 2:03pm
Video Embed
HBDA Tangovino Bottle Lights
Tuesday, March 9, 2021 - 5:25pm
Friday, November 21, 2025 - 6:48pm
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Tap Basics | Chester's 8 wk SERIES!
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:09pm
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:09pm
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Tap Basics | Chester's 8 wk SERIES!
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:08pm
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:08pm
Event
Tap Basics | Chester's 8 wk SERIES!
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:08pm
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:08pm
Event
Tap Basics | Chester's 8 wk SERIES!
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:07pm
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 1:07pm
Pages
Central Avenue Dance Ensemble
“One of the benefits of knowledge is that it is portable: Anything you learn you take with you wherever you go for the rest of your life.”
-Paul Thornhill
Chester Whitmore’s Message
“My approach to dance is life itself, places people and things that have happened in our lifetime and creating dance forms for the audience about feelings, emotions in life 
that they may have overlooked. In addition, I want my dances to purely entertain as well as educate. At this stage in my career, I still have much to contribute to the world of dance as a performer, instructor, choreographer and educator. While I possess many years of experience in all of these areas, and as a music historian, musician and composer, I endeavor endlessly to further develop my skills and share them with others.”
