Information: Edwin G. "Ed" Austin, teacher of Welsh, clogging, and international dance.

Edwin Austin, has been the artistic director of Folk Dance Ensemble at Brigham Young University (BYU) in Utah since 1985.

He is an Associate Professor of BUYs World Dance Division and has been president of the Utah Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (UAPHERD).

Ed is the Artistic Director of the BYU National Cloggers Festival and Clog Camp of which his wife, Vickie, is the coordinator. Vickie is also editor of "The Folk Dancer," the BYU Inernational Folk Dance Ensemble (IFDE) alumni newsletter.

Ed took a Master of Arts from Brigham Young University in 1980.

The courses he taught include Performing Arts Company, American and International; Folk Dance Performance, American and International; Clog Dance Tech II; Music Dance Theatre Choreographic Styles, Guest Master Teacher; Rhythmic Activities Through Dance; Clog Dance Tech I - Intermediate; World Dance Tech I, Intermediate; Orientation to Dance, Guest Lecturer; Introduction to Dance, Guest Master Teacher; World Dance, Beginning; and Book of Mormon.

In addition to being the Artistic Director of the International Folk Dance Ensemble, he has been on the University Athletic Advisory Council, the College Rank Advancement Committee, the College Magazine, the Department Faculty Advisor, and the Department Scholarship Committee. He has research Interests and has staged World Dance, the Evolution of World Dance Forms, World Dance Music, Welsh Step Dance, American Clog Dance, and Dance in the 19th Century LDS Church.

His awards and honors are many and include: France, Festival de Confolens, Arts & Tradition Populaires du Monde, 50th Anniversary, 2007; Wales, Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Adjudicator, 2007-present; University Faculty Advisory Council, Executive Committee, 2005-2007; Canada, Drummondville Festival Mondial des Cultures, 25th Anniversary, 2006; Research and Creativity Award, College of Health and Human Performance, Brigham Young University; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Light of the World, Choreographer, 2002; USA, Winter Olympic Games, Opening Ceremonies, 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; USA, National Folk Organization of the United States, Past President, 1996-1997; and the Korea, Seoul, Summer Olympic Games, Opening Ceremonies, 1988

He has been creative, too, producing the "Christmas Around the World" and "Reflections" productions.

Ed has choreographed "The Gathering," "Eretz Hakodesh," and "Journey."

Ed also has collaborated in producing music CDs such as "Folk Dance Classics I" and "Folk Dance Classics II."

Ed says, "We live in a fast-paced world but we need to slow down and show the proper respect so we do not run the risk of showing disrespect to things which are sacred and important."

Ed's articles and publications include

• "Folk Dancing in Wales."
• "Welsh Stepping: Its Heart and Sole."
• "Owen Huw Roberts: The Rhythm of His Footsteps – A Link to the Past."