Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
By Stan Jenson
In 1974, a group of New York ballet enthusiasts presented a playful, entertaining performance to poke respectful fun at traditional ballet. They staged a season of late-night performances in small theaters off, off Broadway. The most notable aspect of the company was that all of the dancers were men, with the female roles played in heavy drag.
Quickly becoming a sold-out hit, the troupe christened itself “Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo,” and within a year, the performers were known across the country. The troupe features talented dancers who go beyond tradition to parody classical dance. Like any good send-up, they first study the art form, and then exaggerate the mannerisms and conceits of the more traditional performers.
In the past 30 years, the company has appeared in more than 500 cities worldwide and has enthusiastic followings in Australia, Japan and throughout Europe. Visits to the Southland are limited, and it is a rare treat to be able to experience “The Trocks” in the states.
This is a company of professional male dancers, and they perform the full range of classical ballet and modern dance. However, past the initial humor of seeing bulky men balancing en pointe as swans, sylphs and sprites, the company has infused a sly sense of humor. For instance, in its signature version of “Swan Lake,” the dying swan’s costume begins to molt mid-solo, and feathers float down continuously from her tutu. Tchaikovsky’s score is enhanced with the calls of a flock of geese, and the character of the Prince is an egotistical wimp.
The printed program brings its own chuckles, listing dancers with names such as Ludmila Beaulemova, Vera Namethatunerova, Vladimir Legupski and Yurika Sakitumi.
Scholars sometimes identify the all-male Trocks as the perfect revenge for the minimal roles that male dancers typically perform in classical ballet. Men often are relegated to supporting the women — literally.
Theatergoers do not need to know anything specific about ballet to understand the parodies; nor do they need to intellectualize anything they see. There’s plenty of color, movement and genuine belly laughing to make this a great evening out.
Les Ballets Trockadero performs Feb. 20 at 8 p.m., and Feb. 21 at 4 p.m. in Long Beach at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center. Tickets range from $38 - $45 per person and are available at the box office, by phone at (562) 985-7000 or at www.CarpenterArts.org.