I must admit I have never really been a fan of ballet. For anyone like-minded a good introduction to the art form then Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo is as good as any. Why they say that they are from Monte Carlo I am unsure as they originate from New York where they first started as a drag act. Recent TV programmes such as RuPaul’s Drag Race has brought Drag into the mainstream though the Trocks have been performing since 1974 – back then they were ahead of their time.
I saw the show last week at the Alhambra, Bradford.
Mesmerising
The all-male comedy ballet company was both mesmerising and beautiful as their hand gestures and dance movements must have taken years of practice to perfect. The age range of the dances ranged from 22 to 47 with all shapes and sizes on stage making the production a thoroughly inclusive one.
Their performance featured their take on famous ballets and music including Swan Lake and the Vivaldi Suite, and the blend of comedy and established dance was impressive.
Dying swan
The dying swan scene, performed by Olga Supphozova also known as Robert Carter, was impressive. As he made groans, his feathers began to stick to his arm, to the delight of the audience, who laughed out loud. This was only one of the numerous points during the evening that made the night entertaining and enthralling – far from what I was anticipating.
An unexpected surprise indeed.
18 and 19 October
