In this episode, Kate Histon is joined by Georgina Pazcoguin, soloist, author, and advocate for change in the performing arts. Known as The Rogue Ballerina, Georgina made history as the first Asian American woman to be promoted out of the corps de ballet at New York City Ballet. Her memoir Swan Dive: The Making of a Rogue Ballerina offers an honest and often humorous look into the world of elite ballet, revealing the grit, isolation, and courage behind the glamour.
Georgina speaks about her upbringing in Pennsylvania, the cultural and systemic barriers she faced as a dancer, and the moment she decided to tell her story. She discusses identity, artistry, body image, injury, and recovery, describing how advocacy became a natural extension of her creative life. The conversation touches on the founding of Final Bow for Yellowface, the Me Too era in dance, and the cost of speaking up in systems that resist change.
Kate and Georgina explore how tradition can evolve without losing rigour, what a healthy company culture should feel like, and why younger dancers need mentors who remember what it was like to be in their shoes. They discuss autonomy, the psychological impact of control within institutions, and the process of redefining oneself after leaving a major company.
Georgina also shares her current projects across theatre and film, including her one-woman show Swan Dive and an upcoming performance series in London supporting Ukrainian law students. The episode closes with reflections on visibility, presence, and respect between artist and audience, and on how applause is part of the sacred exchange that keeps live performance alive.
This is an inspiring and deeply human conversation about courage, artistry, and the evolving identity of ballet in the modern world.
Learn more about Georgina Pazcoguin: Website: Amazon
🩰 Stay Connected with Kate Follow Kate for more episodes, personal reflections, and real-talk on healing and integrity in the dance world: 🌐 Website: www.katehiston.com 📷 Instagram: @katehiston | @dance_real_podcast | @Master_Dancer_Mindset 🎧 Podcast: Dance Real Podcast – available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms
Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share, and what my guests share, is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you are seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional.
The views expressed by guests are their own and do not always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation, not to harm or misrepresent.
By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.
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