I’ve never been to a true ballet before, and I can say now, that I still have not been to one. Les Ballets Trocadero is not a true ballet. Though the dancers are all very technically and superbly trained in the field of ballet, they are far from the serious Russian skinny ballerinas and toned male dancers that one sees in ballet documentaries. These flamboyant ballerinas put on a show – full of great technique, great music, and many, MANY laughs.
The first things that one may notice are the ridiculous names of the “dancers” in the program. Not only are they all male dancers (some with female names), but all of the 
names are spoofs of very eastern European sounding names: Ida Nevasayneva, Sonia Leftova, Vanya Verikosa, Velour Pilleaux, and Nina Immobilashvili are but a few. The production starts with the announcer, also with a thick eastern European accent, apologizing for the fact that roles had been switched. I believe this was just a silly ploy to actually say these ridiculous names out loud! The audience was in tears at the funny pronunciations.
The performance consisted of Act II of “Swan Lake”, a modern piece called “Patterns in Space”, a small piece called “Go for Barocco”, and finally a short snippet of a ballet called “Raymonda’s Wedding.” Not on the program, but in the performance, was also the “Dying Swan.”
There were dancers that could easily be confused with a true female ballerina, while others had hairy chests, pit hair, and muscular bodies. These “manly” ballerinas were not afraid to show it as they ungracefully (and purposefully!) stomped around the stage, sometimes even falling down! One in particular always had a dopey look on his face. Sometimes the dancers would get out of character and act like men due to their “frustration” with the piece.
“Patterns in Space” was a very interesting number as I was more focused on the “music” than on the dancers. The dancers were in ridiculous tight costumes with horrible wigs. The music was supplied by two of the cast members, sitting at the side of the stage, picking up random objects from a box and making noise with them. Included were spoons, horns, kazoos, and the like. It was obvious the dancers were “frustrated” and the music WAS ridiculous, but the audience couldn’t stop laughing!
I believe that Les Ballets Trocadero is a great introduction to ballet for those who are less inclined to culture and dance. It allows the audience to laugh along with the cast, but also gives the audience a glimpse into the world of ballet.
Les Ballets Trocadero de Monte Carlo
Tilles Center
February 24, 2012
Marina B. Nebro
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