Classical ballet can look pretty stern from the audience’s perspective. It’s all tightly pinned hair, feet that are ramrodded into impossible positions, and austere faces in the spotlight. Behind the scenes, things can look even worse — lots of body consciousness issues and, in some companies, backbiting to make it to the top. But there’s a playful side to the art, too, one that Les Ballets Trockodero de Monte Carlo revels in. This troupe of professional ballet artists hams it up during its performances — trotting a group of muscular men out to dance all of the parts, even those that you’d expect to find a more delicate dancer embodying. The performances meld incongruity, comedy and parody to create what becomes both a stark contrast and loving homage to this beloved art form. The group performs at 8 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday at the Dallas City Performance Hall, 2520 Flora St. Tickets are $55 to $75 at tickets.attpac.org.
Fri., April 4, 8 p.m.; Sat., April 5, 8 p.m., 2014