ballet but are drawn in by the company ' s charisma , audacity , and celebration of gender non-conformity and sheer entertainment .
" We ' ve always had a huge diversity element — short , tall , fat , skinny , and all races ,” Dobrin notes . “ So , we ' ve always been doing exactly what everybody is doing now . We were ahead of the curve ."
For the boundary-pushing Trocks , performing after a decade away at Jacob ' s Pillow — one of the world ' s most prestigious dance festivals — marks an important milestone in their pioneering journey , performing their signature blend of ballet parodies and physical comedy . The Pillow also has a rich gay tradition , starting with the sexuality of its founder , Ted Shawn .
The contrast between their humble underground beginnings and this storied venue is not lost on Dobrin . " We were not accepted early on at all . Blackballed . And now we ' re totally accepted and in the thick of things ." Dobrin says it will be fascinating to see how their irreverent spirit connects with Jacob ' s Pillow audiences , who may range from dedicated dance fans to those being exposed to ballet for the first time through the Trocks ' hilarious lens .
" The gay and lesbian crowd comes , the dance world comes , the comedy world comes ,” Dobrin observes . “ We can really appeal to lots of types of people ." From the prestigious Pillow stage , audiences should expect an evening of nonstop laughter and awe as this talented troupe of dancers dazzles with physical virtuosity , gender-skewering parodies , and an utterly singular sense of joyful expression .
As the Trocks have evolved from a tiny underground troupe to a worldwide phenomenon , their legacy as pioneers of gender-expansive expression in the arts has solidified . Their irreverent performances didn ' t just pave the way for greater LGBTQIA + visibility in dance , but across theater and drag culture as well . The Trocks were truly ahead of the curve in colliding concepts of masculinity , femininity , and gender non-conformity with exceptional artistry .
As society ' s perceptions continue evolving , Dobrin , who joined the company in 1980 , sees their mission simply as providing joy . Dobrin feels fortunate for the Trocks ’ continued success , especially at a time when many in the theater world
Previous page and right , dancers of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo ; above , dancer Olga Supphozova ( Robert Carter ).
May Holiday / June 2024 2023 BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE // // 53
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