An eye-opening journey through ballet world

GEORGINA Pazcoguin has danced with the New York City Ballet since 2002 and was promoted to soloist in 2013. “Half an hour with her will shake your stereotype of uptight ballerinas to bits.”

From the title of her new book, Swan Dive, you are alerted that its offering is something different.

The legendary Mikhail Baryshnikov said of the book: “Always arresting on stage, Georgina Pazcoguin gives us a take on the ballet world that is witty and from the heart. An eye-opening read.”

Her story, told without filter, is both an account of her ballet journey from humble start to centre stage.

She also took a break from the NYCB to perform in CATS on Broadway.

“I experienced how creativity can be unlocked when dancing in a place where positivity was the norm, and everyone, regardless of title, was valued as a collaborator rather than a commodity.”

Outspoken and courageous and self-dubbed the ‘Rogue Ballerina', her rise to the top is peppered with emotional abuse, sexual harassment, and racism that had not previously been voiced.

Pazcoguin was born in a small town in Pennsylvania. She is biracial; her father is from the Philippines, her mother is Italian. A gentle caveat for readers, at times, Ms Pazcoguin can be a little “potty mouthed” and she doesn't hold back from graphic descriptions either.

I read Swan Dive in one sitting. It is witty, eye-opening and a damn good read as well.