Founded in 1974, the concept of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo was formulated by a group of ballet enthusiasts with the purpose of presenting a playful, entertaining view of traditional, classical ballet danced by males dancers.
The original concept has not changed: The Trocks, as they are affectionately known, make up a company of professional male dancers who have the fantastic talent to perform the full range of the ballet and modern dance repertoire, including classical and original works in playful mimicking renditions of the manners of those dance styles. Comedy is a huge part of The Trocks’ work, achieved by incorporating and exaggerating the accidents and mistakes that can happen with dance.
The dancers turn their hands (and feet!) to dancing swans, sylphs, romantic princesses, whilst performing skilled point work in giant shoes and enhancing the spirit of dance as an art form with their male forms. Whilst some may see The Trocks as ostentatious, their talent is undeniable in performing great classical roles with a few trip-ups and shoving partners thrown in for good measure! They are in no way demure and are ruthless in their fight against each other to become the ‘star’.
The company began by performing in the late-late shows in Off-Off Broadway lofts and quickly gained major critical acclaim, which established the Company as an artistic and popular success. By mid-1975, The Trocks had successfully blended their loving knowledge of dance and comic approach. Since then the company has developed an extensive touring schedule, with the US based company appearing in over 30 countries and over 500 cities worldwide since its founding.
As a testament to their success, The Trocks have won numerous awards including best classical repertoire from the Critic’s Circle National Dance Awards (2007) (UK), the Theatrical Managers Award (2006) (UK) and the 2007 Positano Award (Italy) for excellence in dance. In December 2008 the Trocks appeared at the 80th anniversary Royal Variety Performance, in aid of the Entertainment Artistes’ Benevolent Fund.
Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.