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Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo Show to Benefit AIDS Services of Austin

When the all-male American comical ballet troupe Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo returns to Austin for a one-night performance at The Long Center, they will be adding assistance to the laughter generated by their dancing. Following the performance on February 7th, members of the troupe will greet guests in the Dell Hall lobby as they collect donations for AIDS Services of Austin.

Co-founded by Peter Anastos, Natch Taylor and Antony Bassae in New York City in 1974, the company began by producing small, late-night shows in off-off Broadway lofts. Today, the "Trocks" tour the world, with prolonged engagements in many major cities.

The original concept of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo has not changed - a company of professional male dancers performing the full range of the ballet and modern dance repertoire, including classical and original works in faithful renditions of the manners and conceits of those dance styles. The comedy is achieved by incorporating and exaggerating the foibles, accidents and underlying incongruities of serious dance.

The troupe has participated in dance festivals in Bodrum (Turkey), Holland, San Luis Potosi, Madrid, Montreal, New York, Paris, Spoleto, Turin and Vienna. Television appearances have been as varied as a Shirley MacLaine special, "The Dick Cavett Show,"

"What's My Line?" with Kermit and Miss Piggy on "Muppet Babies," and their own solo specials on national networks in Japan, France and Germany. In 2008, they performed at the 80th annual Royal Variety Performance in front of Prince Charles.

The dancers portray both male and female roles in a humorous style that combines parodies of ballet though physical comedy, with "straighter" pieces that demonstrate the performers' technical skills. Much of the humor comes from the male dancers performing roles usually reserved for females - complete with tutus and dancing en pointe - in classic routines from works such as Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Les Sylphides and more.

The Austin performance begins at 7:30 p.m. in Dell Hall. Tickets range from $29 to $59.

The Long Cetner is located at 701 West Riverside Drive at South First Street. Tickets are now available at The Long Center's 3M Box Office, by calling 474-LONG (5664) and online at www.TheLongCenter.org.

(Photos courtesy The Long Center)