I had a wonderful evening at Hull New Theatre this week where we welcomed the return of the absolutely fantastic, world renowned Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, or more affectionately ‘The Trocks’.
Who are they? They are a group of young men, all classically trained ballet dancers who perform as ballerinas in drag, en pointe and with the most fantastic make up ever. They perform their own style of the main classical ballets but with a twist: humour. Classical ballet is not exactly known for this so The Trocks are a standout company in the ballet world, taking their own style worldwide.
We were treated to Act II of Swan Lake where Prince Seigfreid meets the swan Odette. Known for beautiful pas de deux and wonderful dances from the corps de ballet, it’s a lovely act. Our treat was Trocks style Act II with lots of fantastic comic moments from Odette, Benno (the Princes friend) and from the swans. Who knew that Prince Seigfreid walking slowly across the stage, without music, could produce so much laughter from the audience. The pas de deux between the Prince and Odette was beautifully executed by the dancers and again, with humour in the dancing and acting. As expected, the Dance of the Cygnets was hilarious as they danced across the stage.
I was so happy to see ‘The Dying Swan’ with music from Saint-Saens on the programme. The solo, made famous by Anna Pavlova, was danced by Olga Supphozova (read it out loud and think about it). The rippling of the swans arms (wings) was just utter perfection. They flowed like water. It was absolutely beautiful. Of course, we got lots of comedy too and a stage full of feathers which fell off the ballerinas tutu. This was followed by the second interval, well they do have to sweep up the stage.
Our finale was Raymonda’s Wedding with choreography after Petipa. Not seen before in Hull, it’s from a 3 act ballet about a knight betrothed to Raymonda, who goes off to the Crusades. In his absence she is woo’d by Abdourahman (a Saracen Emir) and when Raymond rejects him, he attempts to abduct her. De Brienne assisted by the White Lady slays the Saracen and marries Raymonda. But just ignore all that because The Trocks do and they just present us with the wedding.
I love watching The Trocks as they are guaranteed to make me laugh and not take my ballet too seriously. I also love the dancers’ stage names which are all the more understandable if you read them out loud – here goes: Boris Dumbkopf, Jacques d’Aniels, Minnie Van Driver, Maya Thickenthighya, Olga Supphozova, The Legupski brothers, Colette Adae, Ludmilla Beaulemova for example. Buy a programme because the bios of the dancers is just as amusing.
I am sure Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo will return to Hull, the audience just loved them. When they do return, I will be there (along with the lady who went on Tuesday and said she would be coming back on the Wednesday). Make sure you are too as this band of fabulous dancers are well worth watching. You need talent to dance like they do!
