The award was given for the company's "sure-footed modernization under Ashley Page and dynamic performances." Page, who became artistic director in the fall of 2002 when the company was foundering artistically and financially, initiated an overhaul that included re-auditioning and retraining the dancers, and modernizing the repertory.

"To receive such an award so soon after our relaunch makes me rather nervous," Page said in a statement, "as we've got something to live up to now! The upside, however, is that it will help give the Company real confidence in the bid to bring ourselves up to speed with the best in the field."

The TMA awards, which have been given for excellence in all aspects of regional theater since 1990, were presented at a ceremony on October 17 at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre in London.