Ashley Page (1994) 

The hugely successful Fearful Symmetries was created by Ashley Page on the Royal Ballet in 1994, and received both Time Out and Olivier Awards. 

A visually striking piece, Fearful Symmetries takes its design cues from Mark Rothko and New York abstract expressionists and is inspired by John Adams’ dynamic score which evokes contrasting images of bustling American cities and the wide open space of the mid-west. The score propels the dancers across the stage, particularly the opening train-like sounds which heighten the sense of forward momentum.

Credits

Choreography: Ashley Page
Music: John Adams
Design: Antony McDonald
Associate Designer: George Souglides
Lighting: Peter Mumford 

What the press said

“Each of the principals and soloists – not least Erik Cavallari and Eve Mutso – takes the breath away as they alternate between the straight lines of geometry and a gorgeous shape-changing that seems almost physically impossible. - 5*”
The Daily Telegraph  

“An utterly thrilling finale which fires the imagination.”
Edinburgh Evening News

“Every aspect of the performance, from the inner energy of the dancers, to their attention to detail and the orchestra’s performance under Richard Honner, is near perfect.”
The Stage

“Gladiatorial athleticism and geometric precision, this is Page’s own choreographic masterpiece”
The Observer   

“Choreography that endlessly fascinates – 4*”
The Times   

Performances

Geometry and Grace tour 2010 

(performed with Ashton's Scènes de Ballet and Caniparoli's Still Life)

Theatre Royal Glasgow
16-18 September
Edinburgh Festival Theatre
23-25 September 
His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen
1-2 October
Eden Court Theatre, Inverness
8-9 October

Autumn Season 2007

(performed with Balanchine's Apollo, Loosmore's Chasing Ghosts and Robbins' Afternoon of a Faun)

His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen
20-22 September 2007

Edinburgh International Festival 2007

(performed with Petronio's Ride the Beast and Brown's For MG: The Movie)

Edinburgh Playhouse
18-20 August 2007