London
Skilled, athletic and with superb comic timing, the Trocks present classic ballet, but not as you know it! Formed in 1974 off-off Broadway, Les Ballets Tockadero de Monte Carlo – or as they are affectionately known today, ‘The Trocks’ – struck a chord with their inspired blend of parody and playful homage to the formal world of classical ballet. The twist – all the parts were played by men: the princes, the villains, and the dashing heroes; but also the sylphs, the swans, the sprites, the princesses and even the angst-ridden maiden aunts! The Trocks have become an international phenomenon, subtly lampooning the conceits and manners of the Ballet Russe style in their all-male dance extravaganzas from Siberia to Monte Carlo itself. They’ve played in over 500 cities (30 countries) and performed TV specials for Shirley MacLaine, Jennifer Saunders and even a South Bank Show special. Yet theirs is no crude spoofing. What makes The Trocks so beloved of aficionados and dance novices alike, is the virtuosic skill, exquisite athleticism, and sublime comic timing that they bring to the stage, making their gratuitous gaffes and hilarious pratfalls so effortless and infectious.