Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte CarloIt was September 1974 in New York's meat-packing district when a group of men decided it would be a good idea to dress up in tutus and perform classical ballet. 38 years later and Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo (aka the Trocks) is still going strong, fiercely touring the world and performing for people like Prince Charles. This Saturday the group perform at the Wharton Center. The Trocks perform classical ballet and some of their own original works, and they do it in drag. Combining technical skill with slapstick comedy, the Trocks are as elegant on their toes as any swan or princess, but to add some comedy to their dance they also embellish imperfections (cat fights, pitfalls, and sight gags are a common occurrence). All the dancers adopt their own ballet names, Velour Pilleaux and Katya Lukinatmeya to name a few. If you ever wondered what Andy Dick would look like as a ballerina look up Ida Nevasayneva's "Dying Swan" YouTube clip, or better yet buy a ticket to see the Trocks. RuPaul would approve. Photo: Sascha Vaughn
