- News
- A Glimpse into the Talented “Trocks”
A Glimpse into the Talented “Trocks”
The world’s foremost gender-skewing comic ballet company is coming to Des Moines!
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, or more affectionately known as the “Trocks,” will be at the Des Moines Civic Center as part of The Dance Series on February 20, 2024 at 7:30pm.
Best known for their fun and comedic takes on classical ballet repertory, the Trocks will leave you laughing, smiling, and truly impressed.
Each video below presents a glimpse into the Trocks' repertory and why you need to see them live!
The Little Humpbacked Horse:
Background: Based upon the popular fairy tale by P.P. Yershov, the full length ballet of the Humpback Horse tells of the spectacular deeds of Ivanushka with the help of the Humpback Horse, through which he finally wins the Tsar Maiden, after which a “grand divertissement” of all the different nations living together in Russia, crowns the marriage celebrations.
In spite of its absurd plot and confused folklore, the ballet proved an instant and enduring hit with audiences. This excerpt, staged for the Trockadero by Elena Kunikova, depicts the now lost underwater scene of the ballet.
The Trocks of course have phenomenal lines, legs, and storytelling. This excerpt is no exception to the amazing talent the Trocks showcase each time they take the stage.
Stars & Stripes Forever:
Background: Although Stars and Stripes Forever has no story and its form is strictly classic, this work is gloriously gaudy – with La Fosse’s wickedly spectacular choreography, Gonzales’ magnificently sequined and bedizened costumes, and Marsh’s illumines lighting.
George Balanchine’s Stars and Stripes, the inspiration for this piece, premiered during New York City Ballet’s distinguished 1957-58 winter season at the New York City Center with Allegra Kent, Diana Adams, Melissa Hayden and Jacques d’Amboise in the original cast.
Consistently performing in sync can be difficult, but the Trocks make it look easy. Their leaps and turns are exceptional, and they know how to captivate an audience as they make use of the entire stage to perform.
The Dying Swan – Solo
Background: All must have had little notion when this solo was created for Anna Pavlova in 1905 that it would become, in later years, her signature dance and perhaps the most famous solo ballet.
Les Ballets Trockadero offers its own distinctive interpretation of the terminal fowl.
This solo is beautiful and humorous at the same time. The music is lovely, as are the pointed feet and arches displaying the dancer's magnificent technique. The feathers falling with each and every move adds a nice touch to the routine while truly portraying a dying swan. The facial expressions only add to the appeal and humor of the excerpt, making it even better.
As you can see, the Trocks have it all. The personas! The technique! The wigs! See all that the extraordinary company has to offer live on February 20 at the Des Moines Civic Center! You aren’t going to want to miss this one.
Get your tickets today!