I've always loved ballet, but became even more obsessed during Covid after binging on Disney's "On Pointe" documentary about the NY City Ballet. Swan Dive goes even deeper than that, detailing the amazing career of Georgina Pazcoguin as she moved up the ranks of the NY Ballet to eventually become the first ever Asian American female soloist. The woman is a fighter and her she pulls no punches here, detailing how she had to fight racism at every turn and more often than not felt on the outside of the ballet world. It's a little sad to hear details of how ugly things can be behind the beauty on stage, but it's a fascinating story that I couldn't put down.

"Maybe we knew that when trying to forge ahead in one of the most competitive environments in the world, one doesn't always want complete clarity of mind." From Swan Dive

5 stars

Warnings: sexual assault, adultry, eating disorders

Fun and flippant prose is used to spill all sorts of tea in this fantastic memoir. There is a fair amount of ballet autobiographies that skip some of the juicy or controversial bits, and this was a refreshing deviation from that norm. You can see how Paz got the rep of being the "rogue ballerina". Pazcoguin grants readers an all access pass behind the scenes in a conversational way that makes you feel like you are catching up with a friend. She tackles some sensitive subjects with enough self awareness to recognize what her complicity has created. From her description of Balanchine's Theme and Variations, to confiding one wild performance where she danced topless after a costume malfunction, this book will keep you laughing and reading.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Swan Dive by Georgina Pazcoguin is an amazing memoir that gives the reader an insider look at the captivating world of professional ballet.

Once upon a time, many years ago I was a ballet dancer focusing specifically on pointe. Was I ever going to be professional? Oh, definitely not. However, my love and passion for this art and the profound athletic ability and discipline needed will never falter. That is why I knew I had to read this gem.

The author takes us deep within the NYCB and gives us a look at what it takes to take things to the next level. She also gives us a peak on some of the other disappointing aspects that have taken place: racism, intimidation, unneeded pressure, and some of the darker elements that have ran rampant in the past. Through it all she has overcome many obstacles, fought many battles (some that are totally unacceptable to begin with), and has survived to tell her story.

This is honest, raw, real, passionate, and fascinating. I highly recommend it.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Henry Holt & Company for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.

Wonderful entertaining informative a real behind the scenes look at what the life of an elite ballerina is really like,The author shares with us her life her experiences and I found it very enjoyable.# netgalley #henryholt

I love ballet and reading anything about ballet. This is a very cool memoir about the ballet world. I found it incredibly interesting and captivating.