Ashley Page creates a set of visual messages which are translated to the audience for their interpretation. He does this by making choices about movements, floor patterns, stillness, speed, dynamics, and the position of dancers on the stage. In addition, each theatre art elements (lighting, costume, set and music) is chosen to reinforce the intention or theme of the dance work.
An audience likes familiarity and recognises repetition, formation and structure. A skilled choreographer can use this to their advantage to lull the audience into security by repeating motifs and floor patterns, then adding in a variation of a motif to surprise and challenge the audience’s expectations. The movements in 32 Cryptograms are crafted by both juxtaposing the music against the movement, and using movement in time with the music.
Over time, Ashley Page has built a vocabulary which uses influences from many sources including bournaville, contemporary and other styles.
Watch videos: Ashley Page on creating 32 Cryptograms.
