Catherine Little is a Legend in the Erie Community in the field of dance.

She operated her studio for over 75 years. Miss Little taught three generations of students from babies to grandmothers. She instilled the love of dance in each one.

Miss Little was born in 1912 in Parsons, WV. At the age of 14 she opened her first dance studio in the parlor of her mother's home in Erie, PA.

After moving to several locations as the studio grew, she settled at 18 North Park Row where it remained for over 50 years.

Catherine was a National Vice President for the National Association of Dance and Affiliated Artists (NADAA). She taught her children's work in New York, Chicago, Boston and Los Angeles. She was the President of the Buffalo, NY Chapter. During the 1970's she volunteered her time to teach tap to the deaf and blind students at Wayne School reaching out to children who would not normally be able to experience a dance class. Miss Little attend the University of Cincinnati where she took classes in order to teach students with Cerebral Palsy.

Catherine Little received Merit and Recognition Awards from the following

people: President George Bush, Governor Tom Ridge, Governor Dick Thornburg, Congressman Phil English and Mayor Joyce Savocchio. She was recognized for her 75 years of hard work and devotion to the dance field.

President Bush stated that her commitment to excellence reflected the spirit of the American people. She was featured in Dance Teacher Magazine with an article untitled "Catherine The Great" by Steve Succata of Erie.

Although Miss Little did not fly a plane in the war or discover a cure for cancer, she still touched the lives of thousands of Erie area residents as well as students across the country. She taught them that they didn't have to be the best in the class but to enjoy the experience of dance.

Catherine Little died on September 2, 2003. Her dance studio is in it's 82nd year of operation.

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