Go totally tutu for the world’s foremost all-male, comic ballet company, New York’s Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo! Catch this hilarious troupe as they touch down in Toronto once again for three performances only, on March 7 and 8, 2020. As well, former Trocks dancer and current reigning drag superstar, Brooke Lynn Hytes, will be joining the troupe onstage for a very special performance at each of the shows. Win a pair of opening night tickets, an exclusive meet and greet, and an overnight hotel stay by entering here. 

See below for an exclusive Q&A with Trock performer, Giovanni Ravelo.

By popular demand, Show One Productions presents the anticipated return of the world famous, all-male ballet company Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo (Trocks), onstage March 7, 2020 at 8pm and March 8, 2020 at 2pm and 7pm at the Winter Garden Theatre. Following a sold-out run of shows in 2017, these sensational performances will showcase the Trocks’ wickedly absurd antics and serious dancing chops — featuring sly send-ups of beloved ballet classics and contemporary works. Infused with a heavy dose of highbrow hilarity, this antic-laden production will offer audiences a chance to experience high-powered diva energy as the men strut their stuff in size 11 pointe shoes.

“The Trocks offer a welcome respite from our challenging times,” says Svetlana Dvoretsky, President & Executive Producer of Show One Productions. “In these difficult periods, this production is full of raucous humour and unbridled positivity. Indeed, audiences always have the time of their lives at Trocks’ performances. Whether they are laughing along with the company’s unique rendition of ballet favourites like Swan Lake or delighting at their take on contemporary dance, audiences frequently cite the group’s sensational comic timing and peerless ballet technique as the singular reason they keep coming back again and again.”

The ensemble’s legendary comedy emerges by incorporating and exaggerating the foibles, accidents, and underlying incongruities of serious dance. The fact that men dance all the parts — bodies delicately balancing en pointe as swans, sylphs, water sprites, romantic princesses, and angst-ridden Victorian ladies — enhances, rather than mocks, the spirit of dance as an art form, delighting and amusing both dance connoisseurs and novice audiences alike. 

Giovanni Ravelo has been dancing with Les Trocks since 2008. Originally from Colombia, Giovanni faced prejudice. He has said that joining Les Trocks changed his life, creating space that not just accepted his life and artistic expressions, but celebrated them. Today, Giovanni plays the personas of  Irina Kolesterolikova, and Boris Mudko. We had an opportunity to chat with Giovanni about what it’s like to be a Trock.
– What’s the most difficult part of being a Trock?
The maintenance of your body while touring. We spend a lot of time traveling and that requires a lot of discipline in order to stay healthy and ready for the shows, eat well, hit the gym, stretch and rest properly.
– What the most fun part?
When the curtain goes up and we hear the laughter from the audience, that’s when the fun begins.
– You have two characters as part of this current show. Where did the influences for these two personas come from?
Irina Kolesterolikova has shaped her technique and stage presence inspired by the poised and sophistication of the greatest Alicia Alonso, Altynai Asylmuratova and Margot Fonteyn, to name a few. And Boris Mudko by the ego and self adoration of the unknown danseurs noble.
– What experience did you have before auditioning for a role with the Trocks?
I danced for the National Ballet of Colombia, folk and modern, and for the Roxey Ballet classical ballet and contemporary dance.
– What does a typical performance day entail for you?
Starts having a good protein and carb filled breakfast. Upon arriving to the theater I set up my makeup station and gather all the accessories for the show, wigs, headpieces, earrings and shoes. Then a warm up class followed by a rehearsal on stage. After, we will have one hour for makeup and the show begins.
– Tell me about one of your most memorable moments while touring.
I first joined the company in 2008, the memorable moments will occupy pages, but to mention a recent one, a performance with live Orchestra at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC is one of those performances I will treasure forever.
– Other than performing with the Trocks, what other projects occupy your time?
I love spending time with my two cats, I teach and choreograph for Roxey Ballet company, and make collages on Instagram (follow me @gioravelo)
– Any advice for wannabe Trocks?
Work hard on your technique and love what you do, no matter the obstacles you have to overcome.
Irina Kolesterolikova was discovered, along with Rasputin’s boot, adrift in a basket on the River Neva by kindly peasants. Her debut at the Maryinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg was marred by her overzealous grand jete into the Tsar’s box, impaling a Grand Duchess. Banished from Russia, she made her way arduously to New York, where she founded – and still directs – the Ecole de Ballet de Hard-Nox. Her most famous exercise is the warm-up, which consists of a martini and an elevator.
Boris Mudko is the Trocks’ newest danseur, having joined only last year. Boris is a drunken but talented Russian from Dzerzhinsk, in the former Soviet Union, who insisted on an audition while the company was on tour. It took some time to sober him up to make him coherent – he was given gallons of tea and several enemas – but he was finally accepted into the company. He has since given up all drink and is doing quite well.

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo tickets from $35 (plus applicable fees and taxes)

March 7 – 8PM
March 8 – 2PM & 7PM

Winter Garden
189 Yonge Street, Toronto
Ontario, M5B 1M4
416.872.1212 or 1.800.461.3333

Tickets

About Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo

Founded in 1974, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, has established itself as a major dance phenomenon throughout the world. The Company has appeared in over 30 countries and over 500 cities worldwide since its founding, including 64 tours in Europe, 26 tours to Japan, 10 tours to South America, 7 tours to Australia/New Zealand, and 3 tours to South Africa. In the United States, the company has performed in 49 of the 50 states.

For more than 40 years, the Trocks have pirouetted into the hearts & minds of audiences the world over with their wickedly absurd antics and serious dancing chops. Watch as they strut their stuff in size 11 pointe shoes and execute precision-packed fouettes turns with testosterone fueled energy. Slyly skewing the classics including audience favourite Swan Lake, this uproariously funny performance deftly blends outrageous physical comedy with flawless ballet technique, leaving you cheering from your seat and rolling in the aisles with laughter.

Keep on Trockin’

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.