Catherine Fellows

KNOW OUR HISTORY: CATHERINE J. FELLOWS 

Founder of the Dance Education Program at Central Connecticut State University 

The history of Dance Education at Central Connecticut State University begins with Professor Emerita Catherine J. Fellows. 

For more than 40 years, Fellows was a driving force behind dance education at CCSU. She developed and taught new dance courses, transforming individual course offerings into a Dance minor and ultimately establishing the university’s B.S. in Dance Education. Through her vision, leadership, and persistence, she became the founder of the Dance Education Program that continues to prepare future educators and performers today. 

Her influence extended well beyond the university. Beginning in 1989, Fellows worked alongside dance professionals to advocate for state recognition of Dance Education teacher certification. Following a 14-year effort, Connecticut officially established Dance Education teacher certification, creating an essential pathway for educators to bring dance into public schools. 

Fellows also championed the creation of a permanent home for the program. That vision became the Catherine J. Fellows Dance Education Center, which proudly bears her name. 

Throughout her distinguished career, Fellows remained a tireless advocate for dance, students, educators, and the belief that the arts are an essential part of education. 

The B.S. in Dance Education, Connecticut’s teacher-certification pathway, and the Dance Education Center are all part of the extraordinary foundation she spent decades building. 

As we move CCSU Dance Education forward, we proudly honor the founder whose vision made this program possible. 

Thank you, Catherine J. Fellows, for creating a legacy that continues to educate, inspire, and shape generations of dance educators and performers.