The Dream Team

With four world premieres on the 
lineup, the 2011-2012 season at New York City Ballet is sure to be exciting. But the company’s most anticipated new work, Ocean’s Kingdom, comes from a trio of creative masters: It features choreography 
by NYCB ballet master in chief Peter Martins, a score by former Beatles front man Paul McCartney and red carpet–worthy costumes by fashion designer (and Sir Paul’s daughter)Stella McCartney.

The piece tells a Little Mermaid-esque story, with NYCB principals Sara Mearns, Amar Ramasar and Robert Fairchild dancing the leads. Also debuting in Ocean’s Kingdom is senior corps de ballet member Georgina Pazcoguin, who chatted with DS about her role as Scala in the groundbreaking premiere.

Dance Spirit: How did you find 
out you’d be dancing a lead role 
in Ocean’s Kingdom?

Georgina Pazcoguin:
Ballet mistress Rosemary Dunleavy pulled me aside one day. She said, “You’re going to be one of the leads in the new Peter ballet.” I was like, “Excuse me?” She said, “You’re going to be Scala,” and I said, “What is Scala?” My first rehearsal was the next day! As it turns out, Scala is the disillusioned leader of the ballet’s handmaidens. She’s a servant with a chip on her shoulder. 
It’s a feisty, dramatic character!



DS: What do you think is most exciting about this piece?

GP:
Knowing that Paul McCartney is composing a score for a ballet—specifically for us—is amazing. How could you not love Paul McCartney? And for Stella to be doing the costumes, making it a family affair, is wonderful.

I’ve especially enjoyed working closely with Peter. It’s been a great chance for me to show him what I can do.

DS: Are you nervous about 
your debut?

GP:
I’m sure nerves will come up, especially pertaining to the costumes. There’s talk of a big cape I’ll be dancing with, and some wings. I’m also nervous about dancing next to Sara Mearns, who 
is one of the top NYCB dancers—that’s a big pressure. But I’m up for the challenge and am enjoying defining my character. It will all come together by opening night.

DS: Why should people see 
Ocean’s Kingdom?

GP:
First and foremost, see it for the dancers. NYCB has a brand-new generation of dancers rising through the ranks. The company is transforming. Then come for Stella’s amazing costumes. Her ideas are incredible, and she wants every look to be like a runway look. Peter’s choreography is going to be great and the score is breathtaking. It’s a dream team.

Ocean’s Kingdom
premieres September 22 at NYC’s David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center.

Photos top to bottom: Peter Martins and Georgina Pazcoguin rehearse
Ocean’s Kingdom, photo by Paul Kolnik; Robert Fairchild and Pazcoguin in rehearsal, photo by Paul Kolnik