Les Ballets Trockadero perform in Sarasota

They began as sort of a novelty act, performing their quirky comedy show in tiny spaces in New York City.

Now, 40 years later, they're one of the most famous dance companies in the world.

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo is an all-male ballet troupe. That's odd enough, but what makes them especially unusual is that they perform mostly in drag, and they perform roles and moves that are usually reserved for woman.

The laughs come largely from the sight of tall, muscular men dressed in tutus and performing the delicate en pointe moves of ballerina.

It's surprisingly fertile ground for comedy, as Les Ballets Trockadero poke fun at ballet conventions and sensibilities. They're a one-joke act, but they keep finding new ways to keep that one joke funny.

What makes Les Ballets Trockadero really special, though, is that, despite the wackiness of their comedy, they're incredibly expert and artistic dancers, who spend as much time developing and improving their technique as dancers at any of the world's great serious ballet companies.

They'll be at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota on Wednesday.

If you love ballet you'll love watching their moves, and whether you love or hate ballet you'll appreciate their humor.

Details: 8 p.m. Feb. 4, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets: $40-$60. Information: 941-953-3368, vanwezel.org.

-- Marty Clear

This story was originally published January 29, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Les Ballets Trockadero perform in Sarasota ."