Fresh from celebrating their 50th anniversary, the Trocks ballet continue to delight and thrill audiences around the world with their parodies of classical ballet – performed with impeccable technique and fabulous comic timing.
The company’s approach combines satire, subversion, and slapstick, all stemming from its passion for and deep understanding of Classical and Romantic ballet, which serve as the foundation for its repertoire. In London, the program will feature Swan Lake, a surprise Pas de Deux or solo, the UK premiere of Metal Garden, The Dying Swan, and Paquita.
Swan Lake and The Dying Swan are signature works of the Trocks. Swan Lake, first performed in 1877, is likely the most famous ballet in the world. The Trocks’ interpretation presents a magnificent blend of variations and ensembles that transports the audience into a magical realm of swans (and possibly some other birds). Their hilarious yet touching version of The Dying Swan, a solo originally created for Anna Pavlova in 1905, is included in all of their programs. It may not be an exaggeration to say that it has become as iconic as the original.
London sees the UK premiere of Metal Garden with choreography by Seán Curran. Working closely with the Trocks dancers, Curran has reimagined a work he originally created for his own company two decades ago. Quirky, contemporary and set to a percussive score, it now has added pointe work and full-on Trocks attitude.
The evening ends with Paquita, a bravura ballet which premiered at the Paris Opera in 1846. Expect choreographic fireworks delivered with conviction as the company’s dancers exploit the virtuoso possibilities of this pièce de resistance from the classical canon.
The company’s dancers famously take on a kaleidoscope of roles, performing as their male danseur and female ballerinaalter egos.
Tory Dobrin, who joined Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo as a dancer in 1980 and became the company’s artistic director in 1992, told QX: “Our tours to the UK are one of the highlights of our calendar. The audience’s enthusiasm and expertise are unmatched. We have been to the Peacock many times over the years; it is home away from home for us. The quirkiness of the intimate space really lends itself to the Trocks show. I often stand on the stairs and listen to the audience’s reaction as they exit the theatre. They’ve always had a good time – and so have we.”
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo run from 5-6 May 2026, at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue, London EC1R 4TN, United Kingdom.
