“THE TROCKS”
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo

Celebrating 35 years of trocking the establishment,
New York’s sensational all-male ballet company
 returns to Melbourne.

“The Trocks are looking better than ever.” The New York Times

“The Trocks aren’t simply a bunch of guys with pins to burst the ballet bubble. They are also serious dancers, both on and off pointe, and underlying the pratfalls and the high-strung histrionics, are respect and affection for their art.” The Guardian, UK

This year, one of the most unexpectedly long-lasting institutions of the professional ballet world is celebrating its 35^th anniversary. Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, or “The Trocks” as they are affectionately known, is returning to Melbourne. Having last delighted Melbourne audiences back in 2005, this limited season of only six performances in the State Theatre from 27 October, will feature an all new program that includes works never before seen in Australia.

The Trocks combine the physical capabilities of male dancers with the grace and grandeur of ballerinas. Add a layer of expert clowning and you have a company of dancers that lovingly lampoon the conventions of classical ballet. Founded in New York City in 1974 by a group of ballet enthusiasts who wanted to present a playful, entertaining view of classical ballet in parody form and en travesti, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo 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, appearing in major arts festivals and on countless television programs. However, it isn’t just the novelty of seeing athletic men in tu-tus and on pointe that puts a smile on audience faces. The comedy is achieved by skilfully incorporating and exaggerating the foibles, accidents and underlying incongruities of serious dance. As a result The Trocks are equally embraced by people who know nothing about ballet and experts who can appreciate the company’s respectful digs at the classical works.

Since The Trocks last appeared in Melbourne, they have been enjoying ever-increasing critical acclaim for the incredible skill and artistry of the dancers. Their Melbourne program this year will showcase the broad range of the company which now includes Australia’s own Christopher Lam, dancing as his alter-ego Nadezhda Bogdownova.

Staged by Yelena Tchernychova after Jules Perrot and Marius Petipa, Giselle is the quintessential ballet of the Romantic period. It portrays the legend of the vampirical Wilis, young maidens who rise up from the dead and waylay unfortunate young men. Giselle is summonsed from her grave by the Queen of the Wilis and commanded to dance her lover Albert to death. The delight of seeing The Trocks’ Act II from Giselle is not so much the parody as the fascination of seeing exceptionally talented men dancing up a storm as the lilly-bearing Wilis.

Another brand new work is Patterns In Space, a loving parody of legendary American choreographer Merce Cunningham, who died last month at the age of 90. This work features the music of ground-breaking composer and musician John Cage, who was Cunningham’s partner for many years.

Also new is the fiery Cuban-flavoured Majisimas, performed to the music of the 19^th century opera El Cid.

The Trocks will also present one of their most popular pieces; the hilarious George Balanchine inspired Go For Barocco with music by J. S. Bach.

The Trocks deliver delicious entertainment for everyone. This delightfully skewered journey through the classical repertoire showcases The Trocks’ beautifully bent take on the wonderful world of ballet. Long-time converts and first time fans will marvel at the comic timing, sheer athletic ability and skills that rival any prima ballerina.

“The same old gags are still in play… But the level of dancing is now so high that we’re less and less inclined to laugh and more and more likely to ponder the ambiguities of a male dancer who can actually be convincing as Odette, Giselle, Paquita.”
New York Observer, January 2009

“Throw in copious laugh-out-loud moments, lavish costumes and dance that would put many female dancers in the shade, and you’ve got a night to remember.”
The Scotsman

“Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo…remains one of the great comic creations of the American stage.”
an Francisco Chronicle

For company information, dancer profiles and more reviews, please visit;

www.trockadero.org

the Arts Centre presents

“THE TROCKS”
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
Tickets on sale August 15 2009

Dates:             27 - 31 October, 2009
Times:             Tuesday to Saturday 8pm, Matinee Saturday 3pm
Venue:             the Arts Centre, State Theatre
Tickets:             $49 – $79
Premium tickets also available
BOOK NOW at theartscentre.com.au*, call 1300 182 183* or visit the Arts Centre Box Office
* transaction fees apply
Group (6+) discounts available through box office and phone bookings only
Book Now:    theartscentre.com.au*, 1300 182 183* or at the Arts Centre Box Office
* Transaction fee applies

“THE TROCKS” will also perform in Brisbane (4-7 November), Sydney (10-15 November) and Perth ( 18- 22 November)

Tags: Ballet, The Trocks, theatre