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Tory DobrinDirector of the ballet "Trocadero"
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- The Artistic Brilliance of the Trocadero de Monte Carlo
- A Fresh Perspective on Gender and Performance
- Trocadero: A Subversive Commentary on Gender Roles?
- The Agonies and Ecstasies of Pointe Work
- The Allure of Russian Pseudonyms
- Navigating Societal Norms and Artistic Expression
- The Subjectivity of Interpretation
The Artistic Brilliance of the Trocadero de Monte Carlo
The Unique Appeal of Male Ballerina ParodiesThe American Ballet Theatre's Les Ballets Trocadéro de Monte Carlo is renowned for its exceptional artistry in portraying ballerinas with an all-male cast. While other male dance companies attempt similar parodies, none match the Trocadero's enchanting performances. Over the past 34 years, these "ladies" in tutus have captivated audiences in approximately 30 countries.
A Fresh Perspective on Gender and Performance
"Why do men parody female dancers so successfully, but women rarely attempt the opposite?" asked Svetlana Naborshchikova of Izvestia. Trocadero's Director, Tory Dobrin, attributed it to novelty: "Women pursuing 'male' privileges have become commonplace. They've fought for rights, worn suits. You're wearing trousers, and it's accepted. But I in a skirt on Red Square would be met with amusement."
Trocadero: A Subversive Commentary on Gender Roles?
Could Trocadero's performances be seen as an act of revenge for the long-subordinated role of men in classical ballet? "I thought so at one time," Dobrin admitted. "But now I don't. In Shakespeare's plays, only men performed. Do women now seek revenge for that? Men's role in ballet is no less significant. It's a great honor to support the ballerina."
The Agonies and Ecstasies of Pointe Work
"My first experience on pointe was excruciatingly painful," Dobrin recalled. "I used to hear ballerinas complain about bloody toes and dismissed it as coquetry. That moment, I realized the arduousness of their craft."
The Allure of Russian Pseudonyms
Trocadero's "ballerinas" adopt Russian stage names, a legacy of the Diaghilev era when Russian ballet reigned supreme: "A Russian name is a guarantee of success. Each name also evokes a subtle meaning."
Navigating Societal Norms and Artistic Expression
"How do moralists view your performances?" Naborshchikova inquired. "We are not a gay show," Dobrin clarified. "We don't promote LGBTQ+ rights. However, it's true that most of our members are gay. Our differences don't hinder us; we are a team."
The Subjectivity of Interpretation
"Would you be offended by the label 'transvestite show'?" Naborshchikova asked. "Each viewer sees what they want," Dobrin replied. "My aunt, an orthodox Jew, deemed it 'true Yiddish theater.' Children attend like it's a Sunday morning show. Even ballet enthusiasts appreciate our parodies. There are many perspectives."
