Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, the beloved drag ballet troupe known as the Trocks, continues to captivate audiences with their unique blend of slapstick comedy and technical mastery. Performing at Sadler's Wells in London, the all-male company delivers a show that is both lighthearted camp and a sophisticated commentary on ballet and beauty.
A Five-Decade Legacy
Since 1974, the Trocks have been parodying classical ballet while showcasing genuine skill. The 14-strong company, now often described as gender-skewering, performs in tutus, pointe shoes, and greasepaint, dancing extracts from classics like Swan Lake and Paquita. Their performance mixes hammed-up slapstick with a deep love and knowledge of the art form, creating a bathetic tightrope act that both mocks and celebrates the ballerina ideal.
Technical Feats and Real Bodies
The dancers execute fouettés, arabesques, and allegro pointe work with impressive precision. What makes these feats remarkable is that the performers are not otherworldly ballerinas but real bodies with imperfections. This reminds the audience of the extraordinary drive and effort behind ballet. Takaomi Yoshino stands out as a technical whiz, while Andrea Fabbri, with his cat's-eye glasses and tutu, moves with such elan that he is a joy to watch.
New Works and Deeper Questions
The Trocks also present new pieces like Séan Curran's Metal Garden, a contemporary ballet parody in Lycra and curly wigs. It is effortlessly amusing, even for those unfamiliar with dance, as it plays with visual patterns and social cues. The performance prompts reflections on why we watch dance, what qualities we seek, and the human dedication to finding pleasure and meaning in art.
The Trocks' enduring success lies in their ability to work on multiple levels: as pantomime and as a sophisticated exploration of art and identity. This show runs at Sadler's Wells on 6 May, with touring until 24 June.
