B y S c o t t E d w a r d A n d e r s o n
Keep on Trocking
ZORAN JELENIC
LES BALLETS TROCKADERO DE MONTE CARLO KICKS OFF JACOB ’ S PILLOW 2024 SEASON
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte
Carlo , billed as the world ' s foremost all-male comic ballet company , brings its beloved troupe of drag-clad dancers to Jacob ' s Pillow this June as part of its landmark 50th anniversary . Affectionately known as " the Trocks ," this avant-garde company grew from underground , off-off- Broadway roots in 1974 to become a global touring sensation . With their signature blend of classical ballet en travesti ( danced in drag ), parody , and breathtaking pointe work , the Trocks make an appearance at the historic Pillow for the first time in over a decade .
Born out of the cultural revolutions of 1970s New York City , the Trocks emerged from the city ' s thriving theater scene and reflected a newfound spirit of drag and subversive performance art . As Artistic Director Tory Dobrin recalls , " There was a lot of drag going on . The gay and lesbian movement was using drag in their theater , in bars . And you had this huge dance boom with ballet ' s popularity soaring ."
A few ballet dancers dreamed up a company that could playfully parody the art form , with men dancing in female roles . From makeshift loft performances in the ’ 70s , the Trocks quickly gained a cult following and critical acclaim . They soon took their inspired blend of dance skill , camp sensibility , and physical comedy on the road . Over the decades , their devoted fanbase has grown worldwide as the company has performed in 43 countries and over 660 cities .
At its core , the Trocks ' artistic expression challenges societal perceptions around gender and ballet itself . “ We have a super-duper mix of audience members ,” Dobrin notes . The Trocks attract diverse crowds by making the traditionally rarefied world of ballet enormously entertaining and accessible through a queer lens . Their signature performance style sees male dancers in full-drag makeup and outrageous tutus , delivering expert classical technique while embodying parodies of famous ballets with a tongue-in-cheek flair . " We dance as normal male dancers ,” Dobrin clarifies , “ but in those costumes and pointe shoes ." This gender-skewering approach has a rich theatrical history but feels utterly unique when infused with the Trocks ' sublime dance skills and self-deprecating comedy .
Dobrin says their impact stems from not being simple " female impersonators ” but representing a distinct " fresh " perspective that can ' t exist outside the theater ' s boundaries . Over 50 years , they ' ve attracted audiences who may never attend traditional
52 // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE Holiday May / June 2023 2024