Paul McCartney 'Nervous' About Ocean's Kingdom Ballet Launch - Video

Sir Paul McCartney has admitted he is a “bit nervous” ahead of the opening performance of his new ballet, Ocean's Kingdom.

The production premieres in New York tonight (September 22) and will be released as an album in October next year.

It is the first time the former Beatles star has written an original orchestral score for dance.

He told the Press Association:  "I'd seen the great traditional ballets like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, but I had a very limited knowledge of ballet.

"But since this project I've obviously started to take notice - I went to see Giselle recently in London and was bowled over by the sheer athleticism of the dancers.

"The next day I tried to do one of the steps and failed dismally, which gave me a new admiration for the dancers."

He added that he was “quietly confident and nervous” about how the production would be accepted.

Additional performances of Sir Paul's production are due to take place during the 2011/12 season, but dates have yet to be confirmed.