United States Dance & Sport Competition Federation, Inc.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our founder, mentor, and friend

Mr. William E. Fowler, Jr.

 

Bill Fowler, known to many as Uncle Bill, was a pioneer in the dance community and advocate for dancers worldwide. In his youth Bill and his brother Danny performed as the "Fowler Brothers" in nightclubs and theaters throughout New England. He was the owner and artistic director of the Fowler Dance Studios in Massachusetts for 42 years where many of his students went on to become professional dancers, teachers, and choreographers. He was most proud of his nephew, Scott Fowler, who has gone onto achieve great success as a performer and educator. Bill was an adjudicator for numerous organizations in the USA including American Dance Awards, Dance Educators of America, and Headliners and was the creator of many of the special judge's awards presented today. Bill went on to hold many important positions in the USA including Performing Arts Director of the National Dance Council of America, President of the United States Dance Sport Competition Federation, and President of the North American Dance Championships.

 

Internationally Bill was instrumental in completely reshaping the International Dance Organization (IDO) 20 years ago which has now become the leader in world dance competition.  Since 1998 he has served as Senior Vice President, President, and most recently, Honorary Lifetime President as well as Director of the Performing Arts Department, and Chairman of the IDO Disciplinary Committee. In addition, he has judged and/or chaired for almost every competitive organization internationally including Germany, Russia, China, Columbia, Canada, and South Africa to name just a few.  As an author, he has written for Dance Teacher Now, Dance Teacher Trends and published the only known book on judging, "The Judge's Handbook".

 

To list the accomplishments of Mr. Bill would certainly fill this entire website.  He wore many hats. Husband, Brother, Uncle, Brother-in Law, Friend, Colleague, Teacher, Mentor, Judge, Author, Founder, Organization Officer.  His love of dance led him to share his vast knowledge with anyone who came to know him.  He made a huge difference in many a dancer’s childhood dreams as the best special awards judge in the profession.  Bill’s critiques were such learning tools for so many teachers around the country and the world which were responsible for them becoming a better teacher.  Loyalty, integrity, generosity, professional, are just a few words to describe Bill, along with loving, caring, and passionate.  He will be so missed by so many. 

 

What he has passed on to so many will be lasting memories to be carried in our hearts forever. His passion and dedication to the dance community has been an inspiration to thousands of dancers and will continue for generations to come. 

 

The USDSCF sends our deepest condolences to his beloved and devoted husband, Robert Planutis, his sister Linda Boretti, his sister-in-law Maureen Doherty Fowler, nephew Scott Fowler, and family.

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