DDF News — 22 Apr 2026
DDF Blog: OFFSTAGE with Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
Fifty years is no small thing.
This year’s opening night at DDF carries that energy, as Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo takes to the stage, celebrating five decades of turning ballet on its head (while dancing it impeccably).
Founded in 1974 in New York loft spaces, the company began as a playful late-night experiment. An all-male drag ballet ensemble performing every role, including those traditionally danced by women, at a time when drag was far from mainstream.
Half a century later, that experiment has travelled the world.
'The Trocks', as they’re affectionately known, have mastered something very few companies can: balancing precision and parody to perfection.
Tutus, pointe work and perfectly placed chaos, every detail is both a tribute to ballet tradition and a playful rebellion against it. And that balance? It only works because the dancing is superb.
There’s something especially fitting about opening DDF's 2026 Edition with them.
At a moment when we’re craving connection, release, and a reason to gather, this is a show that offers all three: spectacle, laughter, and seriously good dance.
BEHIND THE SCENES
A handful of clips shared on Instagram offer a glimpse behind the curtain, out of costume, out of character, but still very much in their world.
From what they’ve captioned as “aesthetic pretzeling” in the studio (yes, really) to the transformation into full stage personas and a sneak peek of the iconic “Birds”, these moments reveal the technique, play and just a hint of chaos that underpins the performance.
All the way from New York to the stage of Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. Fifty years in, and still very much en pointe.
50th Anniversary Tour opens DDF’s 2026 Edition at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre on Thurs, 30 April at 7:30 PM
For more 'OFFSTAGE' glimpses:
→ Follow DDF Instagram
→ Read more about 'The Trocks' history