I noticed the other day that a “different” ballet company would be performing in our area, and I really thought I might want to get some tickets to see a performance – especially since the company consisted of ALL MEN! However, I quickly changed my mind after watching a few videos online. The company is Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, and the men all wear tutus and toe shoes.
Yes, you heard me right. Without offending anyone, it’s a bit like a ballet company made up of…dare I say it?…transvestites! I understand the “Trocks” have been around for more than three decades and some call them “sophisticated.” They are funny…at least for a while…and I can see why they have been dubbed a “world-wide phenomenon,” but I’m not sure I could sit through several hours of watching them do parodies of classical ballets.
From what I can tell, when they aren’t trying to be funny by falling off their toe shoes and on their heavily made-up faces, they have great technical dance skill. So, I do give them that; they are great dancers. They also have impeccable comic timing. It is humorous to see hairy-chested men dancing in tights, tulle, tutus, and toe shoes, and playing the roles of ballerinas with huge egos – at least for a short while. They do make some amazing divas, that’s for sure! And they do a great job en pointe.
That said, I’m not exactly sure what they are trying to accomplish, and speaking from the perspective of the mother of a male dancer, I’m not sure they are helping any stereotypes about male dancers. In fact, I think they might be perpetuating them if not fostering them. How can they not? When you see a group of male ballet dancers parading around in women’s ballet wear and make up and dancing women’s roles, don’t you just have to wonder if they aren’t convincing people that all male dancers are gay (or closet transvestites) – not that many people need convincing?
We recently had an issue with a parent feeling concern about Julian being inappropriate with their young son, basically only because he is a male dancer. He’s friends with their daughter, who is a dancer. On the one hand, they think he and their daughter have a romantic attraction. On the other hand, they think Julian is gay and don’t want him hugging their son or rough housing with him. (Go figure…) Anyway, if he wasn’t a dancer, do you think there would be any issue? I seriously doubt it.
So, while I get that the Trocks may seem funny to some, I really don’t think they are helping our dancin’ guys out much at all. Which is why you won’t see me spending my money on a ticket to their Northern California show.
“Founded in 1974 by a group of ballet enthusiasts for the purpose of presenting a playful, entertaining view of traditional, classical ballet in parody form.”
taken right off their website. And I’m sure there are straight men on the company too. They are just trying to change the way we look at gender roles and change the way we look at eachother and teaching us not to judge.
It would be a good show to see because all the dancers have impecable technique, my ballet master in Ohio danced with them.
I think it is rude to judge them based on what some of their sexualities may be. When it comes down to it we are all dancers, gay or straight we are the same.
And I don’t think their main point is to push the fact that “all male dancers are gay” as you bluntly put it, and they probaby don’t think about it at all. They are doing what they love and there is nothing wrong with it.
I’m sorry you felt offended by my post. Please reread it. You’ll see that I did commend them on their technique and their comedy. I didn’t ever judge them on their sexuality; I have no idea if they are gay or straight. I simply said that I thought the show perpetuated the stereotype that all male dancers are gay. I know better than anyone that all male dancers are not gay (or transvestites). I don’t have any issue with these men doing what they love. I just am not sure this show is helping the stereotypes that are already out there disappear. I, for one, would love it if male dancers were not judged as gay, but more often than not they are. I never assume a male dancer is gay.
Indeed, this was one of your more “awkward” posts. But I won’t go there.
However… No matter how uncomfortable you feel about “Les Trocs,” I still think it is important for men to go up en pointe.
Not only is it an excellent way to fully develop the ankles and calves..and feet.
Also, very important… if your son ever teaches at an academy, he’ll have incredibly valuable first-hand knowledge because he’s literally been in the shoes of his young students as they are introduced to pointe and master the necessary technique
The guys en pointe at my school dyed their shoes black and went as far as putiing stickers on them (like they do on skateboards) Very clever, indeed!
I was so envious.
It realy is a sensitive issue, but unfortunately people still see ballet to be a ‘gay’ thing. It was part of the reason I didn’t start dancing sooner, and most probably for most boys too.
PR could seriously improve the perceptions of ballet but honestly how long will that take?!
Regardless of if Trockadero exists or not, there will always be people who think all ballet boys are gay! Trockadero has taken that very fact and used it successfully to make an entertaining show. I think what they do really highlights the diversity of a male dancer. Virtuoso Male dancer to Prima Ballerina in a quick change is impressive and not exactly easy.
I don’t think you should write them off just yet, your boycotting of them only goes to show that you don’t support ballet in all it’s forms. Gay or straight, don’t they still need the support?
Interesting thoughts from all here. I’ve never seen the group, but understand they are quite good. I’m not sure how I feel about them perpetuating stereotypes…they may, but they may also challenge the idea that men are not as technically skilled as women; which I think some people believe. It is an interesting place they have in dance…and a unique one!
I feel I have to give Nina Amir a little tap on her shoulder here: I totally see your point. I saw the Trocks live, and it is really a funny show, specially for dancers. They are full of comedy, and if you pay attention, some of their jokes are directed straight to us inside the dancing world. Not to mention they are really talented.
For a danceeducated, or even just -interested person in the audience, I doubt seeing the trocks will change their view on male dancers. But what about the others? Imagine a wife finally being able to talk her husband, or their son, into going to a dance performance. They pick the Trocks just because of their reputation on being funny and easy-to-like. What do you think that person would think of men in ballet? If not hurting, I doubt that their performance will contribute to the breaking down of the stereotypes assosiated with male dancers.
That said, agree with Catherine on their place in dance – it’s unique, and it’s absolutely see-worthy. And Freddy has a point: they do show the diversity of a good male dancer – but not really a good picture on the “real” male dancer, atleast not what ballet’s concerned…
Although I do appreciate a lot of the positive compliments you made about the Trocks, I can’t help but ask the obvious question:
“When you see male ballet dancers parading around dancing male roles in a traditional ballet company, don’t you just have to wonder if they aren’t convincing people that all male dancers are… straight?”
I am a Montreal-based documentary filmmaker who has had the honour of following Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo behind-the-scenes for over three years.
From the dancers themselves to the staff that support them, you couldn’t find a more supportive, fun and challenging dance environment for male dancers. If you don’t believe me, just ask Principal Dancer James Whiteside of ABT — or better yet, go see my film at a film festival near you in 2017 and you’ll hear from him yourself — I did a great interview about his love for the Trocks for the film.
I have watched auditions of male dancers first hand, and your son would be the luckiest dancer ever if he had the opportunity to dance with such a professional company and amazing group of people.