Remembering and Advancing the Legacy of Cathy Black

From teaching tap dance in her basement as a teenager in Edmonton, Canada, to her retirement after more than 40 years at Brigham Young University, Cathy Black has dedicated her life to the education and development of thousands of young artists from around the world. Cathy has always loved her students, and has had a keen interest in helping them succeed, both in dance and in life as a whole. While she taught many courses in dance history, music theater, choreography and modern dance, it was her open door policy which nurtured and inspired her students. Her heart was caring and generous, and her mind and energy were driven to lead her students to success.

Donate in Honor of Cathy

Although Alzheimer’s disease forced Cathy into early retirement in 2013, her passion for dance, joy in her students’ successes, and desire to assist others never ceased. Whether it was students who came from hardship, struggled with loneliness, or those who simply needed an extra portion of support, Cathy always extended a hand to others.

Under that sentiment, Cathy and her family have established the Cathy Black Legacy to continue her mentorship of dance scholars at Brigham Young University. It is our hope that while Cathy’s ability to teach in a classroom may have ended, her legacy of educating, promoting and loving her students will last forever.