I love that moment when the lights go down and a hush falls across the theatre in a blanket of expectation. Normally the curtains rise and so too your hopes for the show ahead, but the “Trocks” is different. Over the speakers the thickest Russian accent informs you of “Trrrraditional RRRussian last minute changes to perrrrformance.” With ballerina names like Lariska Dumbchenko and Marina Plezegetovstageskaya the tone is set.
Les Ballets Trockadero De Monte Carlo has become an institution in the ballet community, its balance of spoof, slapstick and blistering skill is a joy to watch for aficionados and novices alike.
The first excerpt is from Les Sylphides and whilst the obvious gags are based on men in frocks, first-rate material is drawn from the petty jealousies between ‘lady’ ballerinas. I am sure I missed some of the more finely nuanced diva digs but it did not diminish my enjoyment of the humour. If anything it has made me want to see more and more of these wonderful dances. Nevertheless it’s good to see that some of the best gags are saved for the vacuous male lead played to perfection by Jacques d’Aniels. This is not a sexist show; if anything it is gleeful admission that sometimes the girls just get the best parts to dance.
In a show where a prima donna is “anything recorded pre Like A Virgin” you simply cannot help but giggle at Swan Lake, Act II. The sending up of the swans is just funny, and these birds are all 6 foot tall with very lax attitudes toward bodily hair. It’s difficult to hand out individual plaudits as it’s difficult to tell who’s who under the layers of traditional Russian make-up, however, special mention must be made of Ida Nevasayneva’s (Paul Ghiselin’s) iconic Dying Swan; a must-see and no doubt firm favourite of the Trocks’ loyal fans.
Further excerpts are taken from La Vivandiere and Walpurgis Night. Beautiful technique shone through although some of the positions were not so classical. At one point in La Vivandiere I’m sure I spotted an old Tiswas favourite – “The Dying Fly”.
It is a fascinating and compelling show. It starts with both feet firmly planted in comedy-size 12 pointe shoes. Then it expands into something more. By the end of the Pas de Deux you are already noticing Odile (Yakaterina Verbosovich played by Chase Johnsey) has beautiful feet. He/she towers over his Prince (Innokenti Smoktumuchsky) played by Carlos Hopuy but his/her fouetté en tournant are striking. Carlos is not out shone though, as the men playing women become more graceful and elegant the men playing men do too.
You cannot help but wonder at the strength it takes for such muscle-bound bodies to dance en pointe, pirouette, balance and hold. The skill on display is undeniable which serves only to sanction the comedy and enhance your enjoyment further.
The final scene Walpurghis Night is quite simply outstanding. I forgot that men were playing women, I forgot it was supposed to be satirical and just enjoyed the grace, elegance, the strength and skill, the partnering, costume and choreography on display. I’m sure there is more comedy to be had, I could mention Bacchus (Boysie Dikobe) and his magnificent ballon but alas my time has run out.
The Trockadero de Monte Carlo is on tour in the UK until Wed 27th February. For full listings follow the link http://www.trockstour.co.uk/ or go the website www.danceconsortium.com It would be a real shame to miss it.