Straight off the stage in New York, Les Ballets Eloelle's latest international production Men in Pink Tights is preparing to delight audiences in Mandurah.
Feast your eyes on burly men transforming into dainty, slightly hairy swans, with the ballerina blokes set to perform at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre on November 26.
Following his 2007 and 2012 Men in Tutus national tours, artistic director Victor Trevino said he can’t wait to bring his new show back to Australian audiences.
“It’s an incredible country and the people are really wonderful so we’re really looking forward to coming back,” he said.
“Australian audiences can expect to be thrilled and tickled and left with a feeling of joy and fun.
“We’ve got a whole new cast and what each performer brings to the stage is a new type of personality and comedy.”
With thrilling pirouettes from male dancers in drag to the lavish costumes and side-splitting humour that accompanies the performers, Trevino’s production has already won over audiences of all ages across America.
Les Ballets Eloelle is one of the only all-male comedy ballet companies in the world, incorporating ‘on Pointe’ ballet dancing, tongue in cheek humour and temper tantrums by men playing both male and female roles, in their unique and impressive productions.
Trevino said it’s a rewarding experience, that differs from the energy and interaction of a traditional ballet performance.
“I love hearing people laugh and seeing them enjoy themselves and surprising people who come to the show with low expectations,” he said.
“For men to be dancing around on their toes, people are expecting a lot of falling and laughing but I think people will be surprised by how much talent there is on stage.”
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Trevino said while the cast make the transformation look effortless, shifting from traditional dance to hairy-chested men with pancake makeup dancing in tutus for a laugh is actually a tough transition.
“Classical dancers are not used to creating a comedic character so getting them to be free enough to express themselves and trust themselves is a big change,” he said.
“It takes new dancers many shows to become good comedians on stage and it’s not something you can teach – they have to see it from veterans and get a feel for it themselves.”
Men in Pink Tights will take the stage at MPAC on Monday, November 26 at 8pm. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.manpac.com.au.
