After seven (long) years, Les Ballet Trockadero de Monte Carlo is finally back here in Singapore. This award-winning American all-male ballet company is better known affectionately as “The Trocks” and famous for performing stunning classical ballet excerpts in the form of spoofs, some of which include Swan Lake and Raymonda’s Wedding. Winners of the Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards and TMA Theatre Award, this widely acclaimed ballet troupe is now a global phenomenon since they were founded in 1974 off Broadway in New York.

A much-loved dance company, their performances are put to hilarious effect as they create a comic turns to classical choreographies. Though controversial, The Trocks have used the basic joke of men dancing in tutus to their advantage. At the same time, they have debunked the myth that men are too heavy  If anyone who is raised on a pop culture diet is looking to appreciate classical ballet without being bored to tears, The Trocks is undeniable a performance to catch.

The show consisted of 3 excerpts from different ballets: Le Lac des Cygnes (Swan Lake, Act II), Le Grand Pas de Quatre and Raymonda’s Wedding.

The first excerpt performed was a condensed version of Swan Lake and possibly the most humourous act of all. Perhaps it was something one can relate to better given the extensive familiarity through the repeated Swan Lake performances over the years and the movie “Black Swan”, Le Lac des Cygnes was an absolute joy to watch as the dancers entertained the audience with exaggerations and animated facial expressions as well as gestures so purposefully. Robert Carter who took on the role as Odette was sensational and technically strong as he executed of the best fouettés for the night.

Le Grand Pas de Quatre was a medley of a pas de deux (duet), pas de quarte and a solo. In the pas de quarte section, The Trocks filled the auditorium with laughter as the mallerinas performed a parody of the original choreography for the 4 greatest ballerinas of the romantic age. The unspoken tussle between the four dancers was comedic, if not an effervescent glimpse of reality. The moral of the story is that prima ballerinas should never be put together!

Finally, the highlight of this act would be the Dying Swan solo by Paul Ghiselin who played the swan princess in Le Lac des Cygnes. This solo was performed entirely en pointe (on toes) and it was fascinating how he managed to compress that many feathers in the tutu. Leaving a trail of white feathers behind, Paul Ghiselin’s was very much into his role. One is left impressed and although he has been playing this part for years, we are sure we would never want this swan to die.

Raymonda’s Wedding was The Trocks’ interpretation through and through. They ignored the intriguing elements of the plot and added a twist to it, presenting a happy ending instead. The most outstanding character would be the mallerina dressed in white with a hennin, moving on and off the stage en pointe.

Frisky and cheerful, the dances had exaggerated fumbling and acting. However, the dancers had such nifty and delicate footwork. As their beautiful bodices flow in full tutus and slender legs extend effortlessly, The Trocks are an incredible delight to watch. Not to mention, the passion of the dancers thoroughly shines through the breath taking choreography and superb execution of steps.  The timely comedy is not excessive, captivating the audience and preventing them from getting bored.

As they incorporate subtle and sophisticated humour into the comedy aspect, The Trocks successfully maintains the equipoise without mocking the dances. Enchanting and light-hearted, The Trocks is a feast for the senses and suitable for individuals of all ages. In short, it is an excellent way to inculcate an interest in dance. Epitomising grace and poetry while actively encouraging the appreciation of classical dance form, one is sure to be in for a good time when catching this!