As the whistles, cheers and foot-stamping died away, and a filled-to-the-brim Theatre Royal emptied itself out onto the street, the post-show analysis began. If the riotous applause and standing ovations had left us in any doubt as to audience opinion, the praise resonating around the foyer said it all. Most telling of all, however, was the comment made by a man (clearly a dance newcomer) to his wife: “I’m not sure if I’d like the real ballet, but that was great.”
It was a remark that managed to both compliment and insult the company simultaneously, because the dancers of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo perform ballet which is most definitely “real”. Their technique is superb, their timing faultless and their regard for the traditions of classical ballet beyond reproach. What sets the Trocks apart, however, is their gender.
A stage filled with male ballerinas en pointe is always going to be something special.
