For half a century, this Ballet Troupe, Challenging Traditional Gender Roles, has Prospered
With the holiday season approaching, the celebrated dance troupe, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, is making a comeback at the Joyce theater in New York City. This legendary company performs at this venue every other year.
Established in 1974, amidst the tumult of the Stonewall Uprising, their founding principle was to have men dance all parts in classical ballets. They delightfully mock the traditions of these dances, donning pointe shoes and tutus, while they pirouette and satirize these classic ballet conventions.
As the longtime artistic director, Tory Dobrin, puts it, "We are an all-male comedy ballet company that uses drag to bring out the comedy." Their secret to success lies in subverting the norms of gender dynamics. "We expose the glaring absurdity of various ballet traditions and canons," says Dobrin. "This often encourages audiences to recognize their own absurd thoughts, which we all harbor. Once we acknowledge the absurdity, we can view it with a clearer perspective and a non-judgmental eye. Then it becomes easier to find humor in it."
Fifty years ago, the Trocks started small, performing in a second-floor loft in New York City's meatpacking district. They held their shows at the headquarters of the Westside Discussion Group, a subsidiary of the Mattachine Society, a prominent gay rights organization. Founded by enthusiasts such as Peter Anastos, Anthony Bassae, and Natch Taylor, the Trocks continue to serve as diplomats for LGBTQ+ culture and acceptance to this day.
During their early days, they staged midnight shows and used stand-up comedians and unprofessional dancers. They introduced drag to unsuspecting audiences and managed to intermingle comedy with exceptional dance technique. "The company worked hard to improve and develop its comedy and dancing skills," recalls Dobrin, who joined the company as a dancer in 1980. "Under the lead of Eugene McDougle, the artistic directors had the freedom to focus on the comedy and dance elements."
Dobrin vividly recalls his first tour, which took place in South America during the reign of military dictatorships. "I am convinced that governments had no idea that we were an all-male comedy ballet company in drag. They would never have granted us permission to tour to Brazil, Argentina, and Chile," says Dobrin. "The governments probably thought that we were the Ballet of Monte Carlo. Audience members were living through tough, oppressive times. They flocked to the theater to be entertained by these spirited dancer-drag artists."
He remembers the audience's warm reception. "It was a wonderful and intriguing experience for all of us on stage. I found my place in my career," says Dobrin. "These days, the audience is filled with teenagers and children, reflecting how society has evolved. We are not a children's show, but the performance serves as an excellent introduction to dance for kids. The show is amusing, and the quality of dance is high."
Over the years, the Trocks have earned recognition as one of the world's top comic ballet troupes. They have performed in over 660 cities globally, from the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow to the Chatelet in Paris to the Kennedy Center Opera House with their resident orchestra.
Despite their love of touring, the Trocks cherish their time at the Joyce theater, which has been their artistic sanctuary for 16 seasons since 1996. They are presenting two distinct programs until January 5th. The programs include timeless classics like 'Swan Lake (Act II),' 'Giselle (Act II),' and 'Raymonda’s Wedding.' They are also premiering 'Symphony,' inspired by George Balanchine's Symphony in C, which was choreographed for the Trocks by Durante Verzola.
The historic Joyce, a theater dedicated solely to dance, has been instrumental in their success. "We deeply appreciate and honor the dedication and support that The Joyce Theater has shown us under Linda Shelton's leadership," says Dobrin. "The Joyce is an essential venue for dance, and it keeps us rooted and grounded to know that every two years, we have a wonderful home season in New York, where we are based. And returning to The Joyce, where we have fond memories of the staff, is always a pleasure, like returning to work with old friends."
After half a century, Dobrin hopes that the Trocks continue to captivate audiences with their distinct blend of ballet and drag. "We dream of being able to continue to exist during these challenging times for all cultural institutions. Since Covid-19, it has not been easy for anyone." He expresses optimism for the future, hoping that audiences will continue to support live theater, dance, classical music, and plays.
The Trocks, led by Tory Dobrin, the longtime artistic director, are reveling in their return to the Joyce theater, a place they consider their artistic sanctuary. Their presentation includes timeless classics and a premier of 'Symphony,' choreographed by Durante Verzola, a tribute to George Balanchine's Symphony in C.
As Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo prepares for their performances at the Joyce theater, Tory Dobrin reflects on their history, noting their early days in a second-floor loft in New York City's meatpacking district, where they delighted unsuspecting audiences with their comedic twist on classical ballets.
