Keep on Trockin’

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo bring their unique show to Brighton Dome

After a two-year absence, the much loved Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo (known affectionately as the Trocks) return to Brighton Dome on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 February 2013; bringing their fusion of classical ballet and a wicked sense of fun to the venue. Performing Les Sylphides, Pas de Deux, La Vivandière and Walpurgis Night in their unique, tongue-in-cheek manner, it’s no wonder The Guardian described a typical Trocks show as ‘the funniest night you’ll ever have at the ballet’.

Under the artistic direction of Tory Dobrin, who first joined the company as a dancer in 1980, The Trocks’ professional male dancers faithfully perform a full range of ballet and modern dance repertoire, including classical and original works in faithful renditions of the manners and conceits of those dance styles. However, by incorporating and exaggerating the foibles, accidents, and underlying incongruities of serious dance, the company ensures there’s always a comedic under-current to the proceedings. With men dancing all the parts – heavy bodies delicately balancing on toes as swans, sylphs, water sprites, romantic princesses, angst-ridden Victorian ladies – the company enhances rather than mocks the spirit of dance as an art form. By treading this fine line between high art and high camp, they celebrate both the beauty and the essential absurdity of classical ballet, delighting and amusing everyone from the most knowledgeable dance aficionado to ballet novices.

The Trocks’ original purpose was – and continues to be – to bring the pleasure of dance to the widest possible audience. Founded in 1974 by a group of ballet enthusiasts for the purpose of presenting a playful, entertaining view of traditional, classical ballet in parody form and en travesti, The Trocks first performed in the late-late shows in off-off Broadway lofts.

Since those beginnings, The Trocks have established themselves as a major dance phenomenon throughout the world. The all-male company has performed in over 30 countries and in over 500 cities around the world – their recent frenzied annual schedule has included seven tours to Australia and New Zealand, 26 to Japan, ten to South America, three tours to South Africa, and 64 tours of Europe. They’ve even graced the stage at the 80th anniversary Royal Variety Performance and danced alongside Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy on Muppet Babies.

Winners of the Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards (2007) and the TMA Theatre Award (2006), the Trocks’ combination of pure comedy, extraordinary technical prowess and genuine love of ballet is an irresistible affair.

Les Ballets Trockadero De Monte Carlo, Friday 15–Saturday 16 February, Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 7.30pm, tickets from £12.50, 01273 709709, www.brightondome.org