Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo Review

Having now experienced The Trocks for myself, I can safely say this was a night bursting with exceptional talent, incredible strength and perfectly timed comedy.

With only a two-night stop at Milton Keynes Theatre, audiences have been treated to something genuinely special.

Founded in New York in 1974, the company—affectionately known as "The Trocks"—has spent more than five decades delighting audiences around the globe with its unique blend of classical ballet, parody and drag performance. What began as a small off-off-Broadway venture has grown into an internationally celebrated phenomenon, performing in more than 40 countries worldwide.

Their mission remains as relevant and joyful today as it was at the beginning: to spread joy through affectionate parodies of classical ballets performed en pointe and en travesti. Using extraordinary technical skill, comic brilliance and a commitment to challenging traditional gender expectations in ballet, the company invites audiences to experience classical dance from an entirely new perspective.

What Can You Expect?

Expect tutus. Expect tiaras. Expect exaggerated prima ballerina tantrums. Expect dramatic death scenes, over-the-top expressions and comic timing worthy of the finest farce.

But most importantly, expect outstanding ballet.

The genius of The Trocks is that the comedy only works because the dancers are exceptionally talented. The comic moments are never overdone; instead, they are woven seamlessly into the performance, adding a sense of fun to what is often perceived as one of the most serious of dance forms.

There is no denying that this company has trained relentlessly to achieve the level of skill on display. The en pointe work was unlike anything I have seen before. The strength, balance and years of dedication required to perform at this standard are nothing short of remarkable. Behind every wobbling swan, melodramatic collapse and knowing wink lies world-class technique.

The Dancers

The company typically tours with around 15 dancers, each performing both male and female roles complete with wonderfully absurd stage names. Behind the comedy is an international roster of artists who combine extraordinary athleticism with impeccable comic timing.

One of the most impressive aspects of the performance is watching these dancers execute demanding choreography en pointe while maintaining the illusion, character and humour throughout. Whether you're a lifelong ballet fan or someone who has never stepped inside a theatre for dance before, The Trocks have a remarkable ability to win over both audiences.

Why It Works

The secret is balance.

Too much comedy and the ballet would lose its credibility.

Too much seriousness and the joke would disappear.

The Trocks sit perfectly in the middle.

One particular moment perfectly summed up the evening's humour. A dancer slowly crossed the stage in complete silence. The audience waited for the punchline, hanging on his every move, expecting something dramatic to happen. Yet he simply continued his journey across the stage, armed only with a series of wonderfully exaggerated facial expressions. The anticipation itself became the joke. By the time he reached the other side, the audience erupted into laughter and applause. It was simple, unexpected and brilliantly effective.

Those moments of complete bonkers brilliance are what make this company so unique. One minute you're admiring turns, jumps and pointe work worthy of any major ballet company; the next you're laughing out loud at a perfectly executed comic moment.

A Little History

The company emerged in the years following the Stonewall era in New York, when drag performance and LGBTQ+ visibility were far less accepted than they are today. Their early performances challenged conventions of gender and performance at a time when doing so was genuinely radical.

Today, while their work remains proudly connected to LGBTQ+ culture and history, their appeal extends far beyond that. Their performances are celebrated as wonderfully crafted entertainment that combines humour, artistry and inclusivity.

Final Thoughts

For more than 50 years, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo have proven that ballet can be both magnificent and mischievous. They honour the traditions of classical dance while gently poking fun at its excesses, creating a theatrical experience that is joyous, welcoming and genuinely unique.

This is a masterclass in ballet wrapped in comedy and delivered with impeccable timing. The dancers are extraordinary, the humour lands perfectly and the result is an evening that leaves audiences smiling long after the final curtain.

The company performs across the world and has only been in Milton Keynes for a fleeting two-night visit. If there are still tickets available for tonight's performance, don't hesitate. Grab one while you can and enjoy an evening of world-class ballet, laughter and a little glorious absurdity en pointe.