Blog #154   4/22/16

Left to right: Damien Thibadeaux (Bertha Vinayshinsky), Brian Norris (Vanya Verikosa), Bart de Bloch (Tatiana Youbetyoubookskaya), Mark Rudzikis (Maya Thickenthigya), Manolo Molina (Fifi Barkova).

Over the last 25 years I’ve had the chance to make photograhs of dancers and dance companies from all over the world, both classical and modern (onstage, in the studio, and even underwater). One of the most remarkable and unique troupes with whom I’ve worked is Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo. Founded 40 years ago, the Trocks call themselves “The World’s Foremost
All-Male Comic Ballet Company,” and in presenting a playful parody of traditional ballet they are eye-popping and grandly photogenic. http://trockadero.org

The Trockaderos, who have performed in over 500 cities in 33 countries worldwide, are men in drag, of course, and their drag consists of formal ballet costumes, tutus, makeup, wigs, and even classic toe shoes which allow them to dance on pointe – which they do, gleefully. But what adds to the comic effect of their dancing is that, despite the tutus and makeup, they don’t try to disguise the fact that they are men, chest hair and all.

Damien Thibadeaux  (Bertha Vinayshinsky)

 

Damien Thibadeaux  (Bertha Vinayshinsky)

Paul Ghiselin (Ida Nevasayneva)

Paul Ghiselin (Ida Nevasayneva)

 

 

My shoot of the Trocks was done in two parts: one of them performing, and the other making true portraits that showed their humanity, their vulnerability, their inner selves –  veracity at a gut level. What I found in the portrait sessions were real people – young men, vulnerable, full of humanity and feelings.

Robert Carter  (Olga Supphozova)

Rashon James  (Colette Adae)

Mark Rudzikis  (Maya Thickenthigya)

Damien Thibadeaux  (Bertha Vinayshinsky)

 

 

Glitterati Incoprorated, the publisher of the Retrospective, Schatz Images: 25 Years is now offering the two- book boxed set at a discount from the original price. The set comes with an 11″x14″ print of the buyer’s choice.

Click here for information about the Retrospective:
http://schatzimages25years-glitterati.com

To view more of my work, visit my website.