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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Title
Post date
Updated/commented date
Event
CADE Performs at USA Dance LA Halloween Ball
Saturday, November 19, 2011 - 1:58pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:26pm
Link
History of the History of Black Dance
Sunday, September 25, 2011 - 11:37am
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Book page
Chester Whitmore
Tuesday, August 23, 2011 - 9:40pm
Monday, April 20, 2020 - 7:55pm
Book page
Ron Parker (alt)
Saturday, July 30, 2011 - 1:12pm
Thursday, July 21, 2016 - 9:15am
Video Embed
A Brief History of the Black Roots of Argentine Tango
Saturday, March 5, 2011 - 8:16am
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Video Embed
Urban Roundtable TV Interview
Monday, February 21, 2011 - 12:22am
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:30pm
Book page
Atiya El Amin
Tuesday, January 25, 2011 - 12:39am
Tuesday, February 2, 2016 - 4:01pm
Book page
Beatriz Vasquez
Friday, January 21, 2011 - 11:58am
Thursday, March 11, 2021 - 3:30pm
Book page
Salvador Corona
Friday, January 21, 2011 - 11:57am
Tuesday, February 2, 2016 - 4:02pm
Book page
Bios
Sunday, January 16, 2011 - 1:04pm
Monday, February 1, 2016 - 11:31pm
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.”
