Gender Neutral
Gender neutrality is a concept both timely and timeless, and one which has a long and abundant history on the concert dance stage. Within the realm of classical and contemporary ballet, gender neutrality can be broadly considered and explored.
Identified in a series of nontraditional gender roles, scenarios, and pairings in ballets from the early twentieth century to the present day, it is further evident in a succession of reimagined ballet classics in both libretto and casting. Choreography created purposely without constraints of gender is also exemplary of this idea.
Performance en travesti, the portrayal of male or female characters by artists of the opposite sex, began as a reflection of societal dictates in the seventeenth century. By the nineteenth century it had evolved into an artistic device. The tradition of dance en travesti endures and continues to help sustain an important dialogue about gender stereotypes and restrictions within the art form.
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, the world-renowned all-male comic ballet company which performs en travesti and on pointe, is at the forefront of this discourse. The troupe’s universal appeal is exceptional and its spirit of inclusivity is incomparable. The National Museum of Dance’s significant collection of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo has inspired this exploration of gender neutrality and nontraditional gender roles in dance.
ABOVE: color selections
BELOW: layout inspirations
ABOVE: intro text panel
BELOW: exhibition entrance
In attendance at the opening reception was the entire Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo troupe as well as founding members and former dancers.
A previous donation from Natch Taylor, one of the original founders of the Trocks, sparked the idea for this exhibition. He has since donated additional items and the company itself intends to donate a portion of the items on display at the conclusion of the exhibition.
Susan Blackburn photos
