Tory Dobrin: “It is a comedy show and we want people to enjoy themselves”

Tory Dobrin the Artstic Director of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo talks to elc before their performance in Pallas Theater

Tory Dobrin is a renowned figure in the world of ballet, best known for his long-standing role as the artistic director of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo. This unique and all-male ballet troupe, commonly referred to as “The Trocks,” was founded in 1974 and is celebrated for its playful yet skilled parodies of classical ballet, often performed in drag. The company combines humor with technical proficiency, making it a rare blend of high art and entertainment.

Tory Dobrin joined Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo as a dancer in 1980, eventually rising to prominence within the company and becoming its artistic director in 1992. During his tenure, the troupe earned international acclaim for its unique fusion of classical ballet and comedy, all performed by an all-male cast.

Some days ago, before their performance in Greece, they have been in our country already 3 times, we talk on the phone, he was in New York. Friendly, pleasant and willing to talk about anything. His love for his work, his team and everything they have been through together over the years is palpable.

“We always do a 3-act programme. We always start with, what we call White ballet because the tutus are white. This can be the Swan Lake, Giselle’s act two, and this act turns to be the our most fun and energetic, comedic piece. The audience come to enjoy themselves. After the intermission we present smaller pieces, with less dancers and different kind of comedy, music and costumes. And in the last act we bring back the Big Ballet. So what actually the audience sees is a mix of Ballets, personalities, costumes”.

The comedy came out of the gay liberation movement in the US in the mid 1970s. Dancers satirising characters, not gender by adopting stage personae. A combination of humor with impressive technical skill are the elements that made the troupe renowned all those years. He recalls and shares the frequent comments he hears at performances worldwide, where audiences express their excitement upon realizing that, beyond the dancers’ exceptional technique, the show is something they truly enjoy and have a lot of fun with.

Although he doesn’t choreograph, he takes great pleasure in collaborating with the rest of the group to create all the humorous scenes.  “You have to view the company as a comedy troupe. Everyone, especially those who have been with us for a long time, understands our approach to comedy, and they contribute their own comedic styles to the work. A choreographer may not fully grasp our comedic essence, so they provide ballet steps that we then build upon, infusing our unique comedic elements into the performance”.

“It is a comedy show and we want people to enjoy themselves“

As a dancer, Dobrin spent years performing iconic ballet roles—often en pointe—infusing them with the comedic style that defines The Trocks.  When he assumed the role of artistic director, Dobrin took Les Ballets Trockadero to new heights. The troupe toured extensively, performing in over 30 countries and hundreds of cities, all while preserving the humor and charm they were known for. Under his direction, the dancers maintained high technical standards, convincingly performing both male and female roles in classical ballet.

Les Ballets Trockadero’s use of comedy is a key factor in making ballet more accessible to mainstream audiences. Ballet, with its often solemn, formal tone and complicated narratives, can be intimidating for newcomers. The Trocks defuse this by employing slapstick humor, exaggerated facial expressions, and playful errors. These elements draw in audiences who might not otherwise attend a traditional ballet performance.

A recent addition to their tours has been the growing presence of children in the audience. “It is a really good introduction to kids for Ballet and theater. I remember when I was a young boy in school in Los Angeles visiting with my school opera, ballet and one year they brought the Bolshoi Ballet. This inspired me to become a dancer”.   

Breaking Gender Norms in Ballet, celebrating diversity and delivering exceptional artistry

Ballet has long been defined by strict gender roles, with male dancers performing powerful, athletic movements, and female dancers often embodying grace and delicacy. The Trocks, with their all-male cast, challenge these norms by performing both male and female roles. Dancers appear in drag, complete with tutus, pointe shoes, and exaggerated makeup, performing iconic female roles en pointe—a technical feat typically reserved for women in ballet.

So what really makes a dancer good as a Trock dancer?

“The easiest answer would be that they should have a high level of ballet technic. But the people who are interested in auditioning for the company they are also funny guys, they are comedian at heart. Unfortunately, there is not enough room in the Ballet world for someone that is funny. Is considered to be a very serious art, as it should be of course. Therefore, we attract people that is funny. So in one word we attract “free spirited ballet dancers”.

The dancers have exceptional technical ability, proving that male dancers can perform female roles with just as much finesse. I imagine, though, that since men aren’t typically expected to learn pointe work, mastering such a skill later in life must be quite challenging.

“Everything is difficult at first, but with effort and practice, it becomes easier. I like to think of pointe shoes as similar to a tennis racquet. Watching Steffi Graf on the court, she moves gracefully while hitting the ball hard, but with a finesse that many male players lack. Roger Federer shares that finesse, whereas many rely purely on power. That’s how we approach pointe work—attacking the technique with strong, aggressive male energy. Most women wouldn’t want to dance this way, and likely couldn’t or shouldn’t. That’s not the essence of a performance at American Ballet Theatre. So, the experience is very different from watching a traditional female ballerina on pointe, if that makes sense.” Tory Dobrin comments.

Legacy and Influence

In more than four decades, Les Ballets Trockadero have not only introduced ballet to global audiences in a fresh and entertaining way, but they’ve also played a pivotal role in reshaping how ballet is perceived and performed. By blending humor with technical excellence, they challenge traditional ideas of what ballet can be, and their defiance of conventional gender roles in dance continues to strike a chord in today’s cultural landscape, which increasingly embraces gender fluidity and diversity.

Are there any specific memories that he cherishes from these 40 years?

What stands out for him from these 40 years are the most memorable performances, regardless of the location, where the audience is fully engaged and truly enjoying themselves. It feels like being at a party where everyone is having a great time—that brings him the greatest joy. The troupe has performed in prestigious theaters, from the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow to various opera houses in Paris and around the world, making those experiences unforgettable.

After more than four decades with the company, what does he truly envision for its future? How does he see his role evolving as Artistic Director moving forward?

“To keep moving forward despite the many challenges around the world is, for me, a huge success in itself. Beyond that, I’d love to expand our repertoire by introducing new ballets, which would allow us to explore different forms of comedy. We’ve also started a new educational initiative, where we offer classes combining comedy and ballet at senior citizen homes and LGBTQ+ cultural centers. I’m very excited about this and would love to see it grow even further.”

Their influence extends beyond the dance world. The Trocks have paved the way for discussions around gender identity, LGBTQ+ representation in the arts, and the importance of humor in tackling serious cultural issues. As pioneers in both ballet and social commentary, they remain relevant by continually reimagining what ballet can represent and who it can reach.

Les Ballets Trockadero have redefined the boundaries of ballet, opening it up to a more diverse and modern audience. By breaking gender norms, promoting inclusivity, and using humor to engage and educate, they have made ballet an art form that is not only for the elite but for everyone to enjoy.