ABOUT US
LASDP is a non profit organization formed to honor contributions African Americans have made to vernacular jazz dance through performance and education. We teach the history of those styles, ranging from the 1800's to the present. This gives us the opportunity to fill in knowledge gaps of Swing dance history, a history that has deep roots in Black culture. Our mission is to educate, preserve, promote, teach and perform the vernacular jazz dances such as Savoy Swing, Charleston, and Lindy Hop dance.
Our performances educate and enlighten the public at a variety of places: Central Avenue Jazz Festival, Dapper Day at Disneyland, and museums. In addition, we have performed alongside Grammy award winner Barbara Morrison, Chester Whitmore’s Opus One band, and at Norma Miller’s 99th birthday celebration held at Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association.
Our Mission & Vision
LASDP strives to preserve, promote, perform, and teach the vernacular jazz dances from the 1800's to the present. Filling in the historical gaps through Swing dance history.
LASDP is a diverse and inclusive 501(c)3 organization; our members reflect a wide range of ages and ethnicities. We have been able to reach younger and older generations by performing in schools, senior citizen centers, performing art centers and festivals. In the future we will continue to perform, give in-person workshops, and online classes that combine vernacular jazz dance history with authentic dance styles.
Mr. Chester A. Whitmore
artistic director & choreographer
Leadership
