This autumn sees the sixth UK tour of the iconic Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo. For almost 50 years, the American all-male comedy ballet company – affectionately known as “The Trocks” – have been delighting audiences at sell-out performances. Originally from New York, The Trocks are now loved worldwide for their sassy spoofs and hilarious homages to classical ballet, where 16 dancers each transform into two personas, both male and female. Tory Dobrin, the company’s artistic director who first joined the Trocks in 1980 as a dancer, spoke to Boyz as they return to London.
Tory, how has touring been going for you? Now you’re back in the UK and bringing the show into London. Is that something you are looking forward to?
The Trocks always look forward to touring in the UK. The audiences are the best. With the traditions of pantomime and Music Hall, the public is very open to having a boisterous good time in the theatre. This kind of energy makes for a great time for one and all, including the performers.
The tour is organised with great care; things run smoothly and easily. As we have been previously to most of the cities (with the exception of Truro and Norwich), we look forward to seeing everyone in the venues, from the stage door person to the management teams, technical staff and ushers and performing for a very friendly public.
Are there any new routines? Any classical ballets getting the Trocks treatment that weren’t seen here last time?
New to the UK are several ballets…. But truthfully, with all comedy and performances, the performances change with each individual who performs the ballets. Consequently, even if one sees a ballet that has been seen before, it gives an impression that this ballet is being viewed for the first time. One Swan Queen is quite different in performance as another Swan Queen (and we have three dancers doing this role presently).
As an example, Tracie Bennett, Elaine Page and Yvonne de Carlo were all very different in their approach to the role of Carlotta Campion in Follies by Stephen Sondheim; what a privilege and thrill it would have been to see all three live (the famous song is “I’m Still Here”, which is an anthem to the Trocks! After nearly 50 years on the road!). Closer to home, Darcey Bussell and Margot Fonteyn were also very different as dancers and interpreter of roles and wonderful to see…. generations apart.
The audience should count on seeing familiar and not so familiar ballets in our repertory with a new expression and freshness. We hope that everyone leaves the theatre with the sense that it was time worth spending with us.
The dancers’ levels of fitness, dexterity and stamina are amazing. What do you – and they – do to try and prevent injury?
Daily class, working intelligently in rehearsal, eating a proper diet, getting enough rest, having some fun, chilling out, going to the gym, yoga, Pilates, looking at trees/flowers and being in nature, meditating, realising that life is short and vibrational bad energy is as potent as a cesspool (no one wants to smell or be in a cesspool) so thinking happy thoughts is a key. Being grateful.
Has there been a highlight as the show has been on the road over the years?
The highlights have included performing at the Royal Variety Gala in the presence of Prince Charles; our Gala performance at the Peacock Theatre some years ago with Leanne Benjamin, Ballerina of the Royal Ballet, dancing excerpts as the Swan Queen and Evelyn Glennie, the famous percussionist, playing music live for our Merce Cunningham piece (which premiered originally in the 1960s at Sadlers Wells by the Cunningham Company); performing at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow (wow!), performing at the Chatelet Theatre in Paris (site of the original Ballet Russe performances in 1909), performing in Tokyo at the famous Bunka Kaikan and in Bangkok at the Cultural Centre in the presence of members of the Royal families. The list goes on. To put it in perspective: the Trocks started as a midnight show in a Gay and Lesbian discussion group loft in the Meat Packing district in New York City in 1974 (hot bed of the underground gay culture in the 1960s and 1970s). The Trocks have travelled a great distance in theatrical history since 1974.
Your ensemble attitude as a troupe is also remarkable. You are clearly all suited to the hard work involved in staging your show. For any new budding dancers out there, what advice would you give?
I would point out that the dance field (and just about every field; and just about everything in life…) has a lot of stress and strife involved. But remember the joys first and foremost. There are people who one encounters who try to bring a person down either through jealously, power trip or any number of reasons. The important thing is to keep one’s enthusiasm for what one loves regardless of what other people do or say. Keep a positive attitude. Never stop learning. Be productive, positive, energetic. Grateful. Be gracious to everyone involved (the public, everyone at the theatre, your colleagues, your management team, etc). Be aware that everyone in our field is trying to do the same thing: bring culture to the public through dance and comedy.
Lastly, what are the plans for the company for the future?
Rest and sleep and eating large meals. It has been a long journey to some unknown destination….
Photos by Zoran Jelenic
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo are at the Peacock Theatre from 6th to 17th September. Box office: 020 7863 8222 www.sadlerswells.com then touring https://www.trockstour.co.uk/
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