Edwin G. "Ed" Austin, Jr., Professor Emeritus of Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, served as Artistic Director of
the BYU International Folk Dance Ensemble (1985-2011). He directs, choreographs, adjudicates, and is
a Master Teacher of international dance forms. His creative works have been
featured on television, and in concert and festival performances in more than
35 countries.
Ed retired from his posistion at BYU in 2018. His recreational dance focus has been international in scope. Appalachian clogging, Welsh folk dance, and more recently Serbian cultural dance, have been areas of concentrated interest and he is well-versed in western, central and eastern European dance styles.
Ed retired from his posistion at BYU in 2018. His recreational dance focus has been international in scope. Appalachian clogging, Welsh folk dance, and more recently Serbian cultural dance, have been areas of concentrated interest and he is well-versed in western, central and eastern European dance styles.
Having traveled the world with his wife, Vickie, they have recently been serving as missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They first served in Serbia (2019-2021) and are presently serving in France. As a young man, Ed also served a two-year mission in the islands of Samoa (1973-1974). Everywhere Ed has served, cultural dance as been an important element of his experiences abroad.
Ed served two terms as President of NFO: The National
Folk Organization of the United States (1995-1997, 2013-2016). His love for the people of Samoa inspired his research of the Taualuga, an ancient dance ritual still practiced in the islands and also among diaspora communities in Australia,
New Zealand, and the United States. Ed is a past board member of Conseil International des Organisations de Festivals
de Folklore et d’Arts Traditionnels (CIOFF), American Sector.
 |
| BYU International Folk Dance Ensemble and Hungarian State Folk Dance Ensemble, Budapest, 2010 Pictured top center: Ed Austin and Mihalyi Gabor, Artistic Directors |
Recognitions & Accomplishments
USA, Kentucky Dance Institute, Instructor, 2012-2022
Wales, Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Adjudicator, 2007-2014, 2016-18
USA, National Folk Dance Organization of the United States, President 1995-1997; 2013-2016
BYU, Cougar Clogging Classic, Director, 1985-2014
BYU, International Folk Dance Ensemble, Artistic Director, 1985-2011
USA, Clogging Hall of Fame, 2010
USA, National Folk Dance Organization of the United States, President 1995-1997; 2013-2016
BYU, Cougar Clogging Classic, Director, 1985-2014
BYU, International Folk Dance Ensemble, Artistic Director, 1985-2011
USA, Clogging Hall of Fame, 2010
Hungary, Ambassador's Award for Cultural Diplomacy, 2008
France, Festival de
Confolens, 50th Anniversary, 2007
BYU, University Faculty Advisory Council, Executive
Committee, 2005-2007
Canada, Drummondville
Festival Mondial des Cultures, 25th Anniversary, 2006
BYU, Research and Creativity Award, College of Health and
Human Performance, 2002
USA, Winter Olympic Games Opening Ceremonies, 2002
USA, Winter Olympic Games Opening Ceremonies, 2002
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Light of the World, Choreographer, 2002
PRC, Guangzhou Academy of Dance, 40th Anniversary Concert, Choreographer, 1999
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Utah Pioneer Sesquicentennial Celebration,
Celebration of
Nations, Artistic Director, 1997
Korea, Seoul, Summer Olympic Games, Opening Ceremonies, 1988
