Austin's Kinesphere

I am moving.....

2009-11-06T07:37:00.001-07:00

My blog. It will soon be hosted at wordpress because of their iPhone capatability! Soon the URL www.austinskinesphere.com will redirect there!

Thanks!
Austin

This is a test

2009-07-02T20:05:00.000-06:00

I just got the new iPhone 3Gs, and I wanted to see how well it posts
to blogger with images. Plus I get to show off my new product for my
small business: Eromas

I GOT AN IPHONE!!!

2009-06-30T18:05:00.001-06:00

YAY!!!!!! It is AMAZING

YAY

2009-04-29T09:21:00.003-06:00

Well, I found out today that I will receive a grant to do a new work of choreography from the 'Scholarly and Creative Opportunities Program.' Not only will I receive the grant, but one of the committee members said that this was his number one priority for funding!!!!!
WOW!!!!!

I am overwhelmed with joy, and a little bit nervous about what this will mean (as far as the intense amount of work that I will be putting into this) for my summer!

Not only will this allow me an otherwise unachievable opportunity, but it will serve as my Senior Capstone piece, my submission to the Utah Conference of Undergraduate Research, and my submission to the National Conference of Undergraduate Research!!

This is the purpose statement for my presentation, and the outline of what I will be doing

As a continuation and expansion of my research concerning self expression of minority social groups (which was accepted to UCUR and NCUR 2009), I would like to choreograph a new work that explores society’s views of self expression; especially those of the human body and the hyper sexualization thereof. I will submit this work to both UCUR and NCUR, and will use this as the launching point for the culmination of my studies as a BFA: Ballet Major at UVU as it encompasses dance research, writing, choreography, and performance. The piece will be presented during the UVU Dance Department Senior Showcase. Through my choreographic process, research of written sources, and creative collaboration between the dancer’s involved, I will answer the following questions concerning self and sexual expression through dance and society’s views of that expression.

1.What are society’s views on the human body, morality, and sexuality?

2.How do these views reflect those of the past?

3.How do these views allow for discrepancies, for example, young women performing, and encouraged to perform, sexually charged Jazz or Ballroom choreography, while serious art is often deemed inappropriate or obscene?

4.Does presenting sexual expression through the guise of fun and entertainment allow us to indulge our appetite for expression as a society by allowing a personal disconnection from the performance?

5.Does this disconnect cause us to refrain from questioning and discussing important relevant social issues?

6.When and how does dance remove itself from the realm of “acceptable” self expression, and into the vague, blurred, or even hard line of “obscenity?”

7.How can dance reveal, discuss, and open new dialogue concerning society’s issues around the human body, sexuality, and those of self worth and expression?

2009-04-09T15:29:00.002-06:00

Well it has been one hell of a long time since I have updated my blog. A lot has happened since the last time I updated. I recieved a scholarship early this semester, and then last week, was informed that I will have a scholarship for the remainder of my time at UVU!! I performed both at the Northwest Region of the American Colledge Dance Festival, and at the UVU Senior Showcase! I have also applied for a "Scholarly and Creative Oportunities Program" grant to start choreographing a new piece.
This new piece will be about society's veiws on the body; specifically the body in motion. I plan on asking some very tough questions through my research and choreographic process, and the final choreography. These questions may seem mundane for those of you who do not live in Utah, however, in Utah (esp. Utah Valley, these are extremelly taboo subjects, and there is a lot of hypocrisy concerning these issues (something I plan to address).
I have already cast the piece, to speed the process, and I am very happy that all the dancers I wanted are more than happy and willing to do it, and also feel the same way about these issues as I do!! I have one more person to find, a man (preferrably another gay man, or a straight man comfortable with homosexual material)
Well i gotta get back to my crazy life.......

~Keep Dancing~

School has started again....this should be interesting.....

2009-01-07T08:11:00.002-07:00

I have decided not to perform with RBE this semester, as I am planning on doing some personal work. (not to mention with the way I was treated last semester, I don't have a huge desire to do it at all)

I am taking ballet (of course), men's technique, modern, production and lighting, and Kineseology.

So with all of the craziness of starting a new semester, I have another stress to worry about: I am performing with TDC at the Covey Center Friday and Saturday. I also have a dress rehearsal tomorrow.

Well hopefully this will be a better semester than last

Keep dancing....

My Yule Present

2008-12-13T18:50:00.004-07:00

So Mira's baby is finally OOP (out of pouch) as of December 1.
It has grown so fast. The picture is our little one on Dec. 13 (almost two weeks out OOP)!!!

Isn't it about LOVE??!!

2008-11-13T19:49:00.003-07:00

Weekend Recap

2008-09-03T07:56:00.002-06:00

Friday we were invited to a "Utah Film Association" dinner at Tuacanno's, it was so much fun. Our good friends Nicole and Naomi invited us. Naomi is a consultant for the association, and was able to comp. the $100 ticket price. The food was incredible, and the company was amazing. We sat at the table next to the writers of "Napolean Dynamite" and "Nacho Libre."
That night we went to Club Gossip to check out Nova's "Le Femme Magnifique" talent, which my friend Andi choreographed. It was very well done, and ended up getting Nova a tie for first place (she was the 1st alternate after the tie-breaker). I can't wait to see pictures of the event, which consisted of talent, evening gown, and showgirl categories!
Saturday was uneventful, Arlo and I slept in and then went shopping to get things for the gliders and some other small things. I also discovered that "Cats" the Broadway Tour is coming to town on the 16th. I HAVE to go see this, hopefully I will get good tickets!
Not too many people know, but "Cats" was the first Broadway show I ever saw. My Grandma Charles sent me the video (the version filmed for PBS) when I was 10 or 11. I must have watched it a million times, and it is truely what inspired me to pursue an entertainment career. (I never imagined I would be dancing, I wanted to, but never thought it could actually happen!)
Saturday night brought a HUGE storm, the power flickered several times, and was out for several hours. The temperature dropped dramatically, and we had to use the heat (which to our surprise works very well!!). The temperature has yet to recover, this morning (tuesday) it is very chilly, and I had to wear a winter coat for the first time since coming back to school. I am thinking that this may be the end to summer in Salt Lake.
Monday (Labor Day) was fairly uneventful as well, just a lazy day enjoying the day off. I downloaded the "Cats" video (had fun watching it, and dancing like I was 10 again LOL). I also got ALOT of baking done, mostly Oastcakes (we LOVE them, and they are super healthy), I decided to make them with cranberries, apricots, almonds, flax seed, and wheat germ this time. Every time we make them we try and make them more and more healthy!! We have been trying to move to making more of our food so we can have more control over what we eat, and continue our success with weight loss!
Monday afternoon we went to the gym, and I ran 5 miles on the elliptical machine, and stretched for another 45 minutes. I am very sore today, but I am glad that I did go to the gym. I also weighed myself while there and I was at 172, I am doing much better than I thought! Although I am not paying too much attention to weight, I am more concerned with BMI (Body Mass Index) because muscle weighs more than fat, and I have way more muscle than the average person.
Well, I am on my way to school again, Friday’s audition for the companies was quite disappointing, I didn't do as well as I would like, but we will see how it goes! My body was just not cooperating with what my mind was asking it to do, all the difficult things (turns, balances, etc.) where very nice, but I totally F***ed up on some very simple things.
They decided to keep me in 327, even though you cannot be in the company unless you are in the 427 class. I was in the 427 class last year, but since they hired Marc (who is a man!!!!) and he is teaching 327, I want to stay in 327. I think that this is there reasoning as well. Honestly I was planning on turning them down if they were going to require me to move classes, because I feel like the training and experience I will get from Marc will be vastly more beneficial to me than any other situation. Also one of the women teaching 427 can only be described as “a demon from the 7th layer of hell’s asshole.” She is Chinese, and verbally, and often physically, abusive to students. I have had her for two summers at the Utah Regional Ballet Summer Intensive, and haven’t really had a good experience with her, and she hit me one time. I understand that it is solely cultural, and due to her very old traditions, but it doesn’t mean that I want to be apart of it.
Keep Dancing!

New Semester, Vegas, and Rambling (what I do best)

2008-08-26T10:35:00.003-06:00

So..... I haven't been very good about updating this blog. So quickly I'll catch you up on the happenings of the summer.
   This summer I have done so many things; URB's summer intensive, taught myself pattern design, performed in St. George and Wendover, and met my favorite podcast hosts in Las Vegas.
   So skipping ahead to the most exciting thing that has happened..........Las Vegas. We (the drag family) performed again in St. George for a "Southern Utah Pride" fundraiser, and we decided to drive through to vegas. WHAT A TRIP. We drove, in drag, straight through (about 2 hours) and checked into our hotel. We decided to walk the strip that night in drag, HUGE mistake. It was unbelievably uncomfortable!!! However, there are tons of people that now have pictures of me. (note to people, don't do drag on the strip unless you want to be treated like one of the attractions. SERIOUSLY I couldn't even eat without people asking for pictures etc.)
   The next day we went shopping at the discount stores (lot's of amazing deals). I got the cutest shoes for only 20 bucks (origianlly retailed for 235.19!!!) BUT I had my phone stolen. :( Then we decided to go site see and check out some of the casinos. I highly recomend the fountain shows at the Ceaser Forum Shops!!!
   That night we were going to head out of town and possibly stop by the bath house to relax and swim! One of the guys with us wanted to see the "Star Trek; The Experience" at the Hilton (it is closing September 1), So we went to check it out. He decided to pay for the ride and tour, and we looked around the free stuff. On the way out we saw one of the MASSIVE drinks they offer in what looks like a fish bowl (BTW it had 10 shots!!!). So naturally we had to have one, so we got some nibbles and a huge drink.
   I got up to go have a smoke and look around the casino area, and who do I see leaving the experience but Fausto and Marc of the Feast Of Fools Podcast!!!!! I was beside myself with joy! They were the most gracious people with the most amazing energy, everything I expected. It really made my weekend, and I can’t believe I just happened to bump into them like that.
Well, now the summer is almost over (start school on Wed. The 27th), and I am actually on my way down to school now to figure out my schedule. I also am meeting with the ombudsman to talk about a sexual discrimination case (basically I am not being offered an equal opportunity education because, simply, I am a man)
Those of you who don’t know about ballet training; there is a regular technique class, a pointe class (for girls, where they learn to dance “on their toes” lol), a men’s class (where the men learn about all the cool stuff men do), and a Pas de Deux class (partnering). Well UVU doesn’t, as of yet, have a men’s class. Meaning that I am not getting a full Ballet education. The girls have everything they need to graduate with the skills necessary, but the men do not. Along with this, last semester, I was told that I would need to make up the credits I was lacking because they don’t offer a men’s class. URGH!!!!!!!! So now I am forced to take legal action, or at least enough to pressure them to do something about it.
While we are on frustrations with the program, half of the classes I need aren’t even held on campus. Because these are the only classes offered, AND they are required major classes. The University is required to provide transportation to and from the Lindon studios to UVU. They have yet done this. This sucks because I have to find rides whenever I have classes that are in Lindon. This semester is going to be the worst, so I am going to have to work something out. I am thinking of talking to the ombudsman about this as well.
Other than those problems, I am actually looking forward to starting school again! This past couple of weeks have been all about getting back in shape! I have been hitting the gym hardcore, and stretching like mad to get back to a point that I can go to school!
I am also letting my hair grow out, not sure how long, but we will see how long I can keep it going LOL
Well that’s it for now, I will update after I talk to the Ombudsman, and let you know what is going on!!
Keep Dancing
Bright Blessings
~Austin

Well... awkwardness, counter culture, and thoughts of an insane man

2008-04-28T22:36:00.006-06:00

Well, I thought that it was definitely time to update my blog, and catch all of you up on the going-ons of the past little while.
School is finally over (Thank god), and my life is getting back to normal. Although I am of course still dancing; doing a piece for Erin Malan up at the UofU, and will be at Utah Regional ballet from June-July.

On a more personal note, Arlo's parents were in town this weekend for his convocation and graduation (again, Thank GOD we are finally done with BYU all together), and it was definitely a very odd weekend. His father is, as always, about as pig headed as a man can get, and extremely manipulative of his children and those around him, and his mother is the quiet, often sub-servant loving woman. I really do like his mother, but her kindness and love are often overshadowed by Arlo's father. Well to sum up an extremely awkward conversation we had in the car (which involved him explaining that he thinks ALL forms of body modification, tattoos, piercing, etc, are evil, and even to have one means you are disgusting and evil) Arlo ended up finally being able to really stand up for himself and assert his personal beliefs, for this I am very proud of him. Well, it's official, his dad asked him what his relationship to me was, and he told him. It could have gone better, it could have gone worse, but the gist of it is that we are not invited to anymore family reunions and such, NOT because we are gay, but because I represent something that is against his beliefs, COUNTER CULTURE (this is where you tremble in fear!!!)

Part of the most awkward car ride of my life centered around the idea of 'counter culture' and why it is such a terrible thing, why people want to be a part of it, and why it is directly related to the Nazi's and the boys who committed the Columbine murders. (seriously I am not exaggerating, these are real examples that Arlo's ass of a father used, if you can find the logic in that, let me know). The funny thing is that 'counter culture' is anything that is anti-main stream, are not Mormonism, and his beliefs counter culture??

Well anyways I just thought that I would catch you up, and vent a little, BUT I have piercing and tattoos, so I must sign off, apparently I have some acts of brutality, and ruining of the 'American' family to commit. if you want to know more about the situation I am sure that Arlo will be blogging about it, the tittle will link you to his blog!
In the mean time, KEEP DANCING

Beauty, Pain, and the Dutch!!

2008-03-17T08:51:00.007-06:00

Goedemorgan,
So I decided a while ago that i would like to get pierced, specifically I wanted a Labret. I was putting it off until summer, just because of all the performing that I still have left to do. So saturday, after being denied the scholarship that I auditioned for (UVSC doesn't give scholarships to people who don't look like they have an eating disorder), I decided to just say "F*** IT" and get it done. I think it is one of the best decisions I have made in a long while. Frankly if they have a problem with it in the department, then they can bite me, I have decided that i will not be recognized for my talents like I am elsewhere (long story).
Arlo and I have decided that we will be moving to the Nederlands, visiting in the near future at least. Arlo would like to do his graduate work there, and I would LOVE to study dance in that atmosphere. Not to mention Dutch Musicals are GREAT! So in an effort to ease our transition, we have been learning Dutch (or as they would say "ik probeer Nederlands te leren") It is a BEAUTIFUL language, kind of the sister of German (with the guttural G, although even more so) and the cousin of French (with it's phrasing, and rolled r sounds). I have also been listening to Dutch Podcasts, and listening to Dutch musicals, my favorite it ANNIE the original Nederlands cast album, or Het officiële Nederlandse CastAlbum.
Well That is about all for now
ik houd van jullie! (I love you all!),
Austin

Winter's End? Not Likely

2008-02-22T08:10:00.005-07:00

We have been having unseasonably warm weather lately, and as many of you know Imbolc was celebrated on February 4th this year (the first official day of spring). So naturally I have gotten my hopes up that warmer weather would come.
Boy was I wrong, the warm weather is because of a MASSIVE snow storm that is blowing in, and is due to dump on us tomorrow. This has been happening lately, we will have temperatures in the mid-upper 50's, and then in a day or two, get 6-12 inches of snow!!
Just such a thing happened last thursday. The storm was so bad that it took me 6 hours and 45 minutes to get home. Turning my usual 2 hour trip into a hellish nightmare!!
Ok, well enough with the weather, it just makes me depressed. I am excited because tomorrow we are having New York choreographer Danielle Martinelli come to UVU and choreograph an all new piece on Repertory Ballet Ensemble!! I don't know much about her, or her work, but from what I do know, she is an up and coming force in contemporary ballet, not to mention she is in VERY high demand (explains why we had to pay so much LOL). I can't wait to meet her and possibly get the chance to be in her piece!
Also on the dance front, I have been dealing with shin splints, URGH!!! This is certainly not the best time to be injured. This semester seems to be very unlucky for me, I have dealt with an over worked Iliopsoas, shin splints, and some pretty bad muscular adhesions (but i am finally going to get those taken care of).
Well I guess that is about all I have to report on at the moment.
Keep Dancing!
Austin

"There is no excellent beauty that hath not some strangeness in the proportion. "
Sir Francis Bacon

See Me Dance!

2008-02-07T18:08:00.001-07:00

I will be in a reconstruction of Helen Tamaris' "Dance for Walt Whitman." See my homepage for Dates, the first of which start THIS WEEKEND!! In the Reagan Theater, UVSC at 7:30
The story of how this piece came to be is very interesting read about it HERE!!!

Our newest family member

2008-01-21T18:58:00.000-07:00

Mìra, our baby girl sugar glider!

UPDATE!! We recently adopted a little boy as well!!! Now we have two little ones! Mira+Waylin

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2007-12-31T18:33:00.000-07:00

This is the largest new year's party in the south-east: the downtown Atlanta PEACH drop, with a local band on the main stage in front of 'Underground Atlanta' they are awesome! We went to the Coca-Cola museum today with my family, it was GREAT. KEEP DANCING! Austin

2007-12-23T01:42:00.001-07:00

Can't Sleep Tonight.....
   I am very excited about the flight home in the morning. I haven't been to South Carolina in almost 4 years, not because I didn't want to, but because it never worked out. Now I am so nervous I can't sleep, don't know why, but I am sure i will have plenty of time to sleep on the plane. It is going to take Arlo and I almost 10 hours to get to Atlanta URGH!! When I flew home in 2004, it only took about 4. I guess that is what you get when you get tickets this late, and want them cheap. Oh well, yesturday, Arlo and I brought "Age of Empires" so that we would have something to do on the plane, and during our 4 hour lay-over in minneapolis.
   Well, anyways, while I am up I guess I will catch you up! I haven't been doing much dancing over the break. I have been running a ton and stretching everyday. I figure that since flexibility is the thing i most struggle with, I will spend some "quality" time with my muscles and tendons LOL.
Well I am going to try to sleep, if not, at least do something a little more productive!!

Ok so i know that it is completely cheesy as hell, but I thought it might be nice to end these entries with a little quote, something I find inspiring

"To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful. This is power, it is glory on earth and it is yours for the taking." ~Agnes De Mille
_keep dancing_
   Austin Smith

Favorite Podcast

2007-12-10T09:48:00.001-07:00

click this pic to visit!

Ok, so it isn't dance related, but it is easily the best produced podcast out there. EVERYDAY (mon.-fri.) Fausto and Marc deliver the best in Podcast entertainment, from celebrity guests, broadway babies, and a myriad of talented and amazingly funny guests!!! Give it a listen, and you will see why i have been glued to my earbuds for the last 2 1/2 years!! Please give them a listen and VOTE for Fausto in the Gay Bloggies 2007. All the listeners need to ensure that he WINS!!!

DONT MISS this episodes:

Interview with "Smith and Grimm"
This KILLER duo from chicago will have you dancing to songs like "Ya'll I Saw His Balls," "Carol of the Balls,"and "Pretty Legs and Great Big Knockers"!!!!

Keep Dancing
Austin Smith
www.austinballet.net

Why "kinesphere"

2007-12-09T14:07:00.001-07:00

So why Austin's "kinesphere." Well for those of you who don't kow, Kinesphere is a word used to describe the space around you, specifically the space you dance or move in. It is the space that we live our lives in day in and day out, from cradle to grave. It is also an extremely personal space. Many people will understand the feeling of someone being "too close," this feeling is because our body is innately aware of its very own, personal KINESPHERE.

"When in doubt BOURRÉ out!!!!"
Austin Smith

Much More To Come!!

2007-12-08T22:56:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my Blog!! I plan on keeping up with this, hopefully weekly. I will be talking about life in general, but specifically about living as a dancer.

Just to catch you all up, My name is Austin Smith, and I am a Ballet Major at Utah Valley University! This week is finals week, URGH. Most people have no idea how much actual work goes into a dance degree, and not just physical. Do you know where your ischial tuberosities are? I DO! Ah well, I guess it is all for the best!

OH BTW, check out my new website www.AustinBallet.net. It isn't finished yet, but when it is, it will be awsome!

"Dance like everyone is watching; if they aren't, whats the point"

AUSTIN SMITH