By Dave Goosselink
Men in tutus is something they're used to in Dunedin, thanks to the famous Selwyn Ballet.
But New York’s touring Eloelle company has taken all-male dancing to a new level, with a unique take on classical favourites.
This afternoon, they put the Selwyn boys to the test reports.
Dunedin's Selwyn Ballet is the country's oldest ballet company.
And this afternoon the class of 2012 got to measure their skills against some of the world's best.
Les Ballets Eloelle are on the last leg of an Australasian tour, with their all-male take on the classics.
Men In Tutus creative director Victor Trevino says the style is very authentic.
“We do all the female and all the male roles. You'll see the dancers dancing on their toes, just like a ballerina would.”
The dancers have performed for some of the world's top companies, and now get to bring a comedic twist to a selection of ballet's most well known routines.
“So if you've seen Swan Lake before, you're going to remember what you've seen. Hopefully you'll be able to walk back into the Royal New Zealand Ballet and not laugh after seeing our version.”
Trevino put the Selwyn boys through their paces in a special class, while teaching the Dunedin ballerinas the language of dance.
“It seems very easy when you look at it, but actually when you try it, to remember patterns, to remember how to move your body.”
The amateur dancers relished the challenge of learning one of the professional company's routines.
Hugh Spiers found it challenging.
“This is next level up. I mean we practiced twice a week for a while, but this is definitely complicated. But you know, it's a good challenge.”
Fergus Farrell was a little sceptical.
“They've stolen some of our ideas with some of the steps, but we'll let them away with that.”
Their efforts earning the praises of the professionals.
“Well very good,” Men in Tutus dancer Jhonatan Mendez says. “They have a lot of concentration, and you can see who wants to try to do their best, and I think that's amazing.”
The real Men in Tutus perform in Dunedin tomorrow night, before continuing their tour up the South Island.
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