Fiction Writing

"They will never allow a Jewish girl into the Imperial Ballet."

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Set in early 20th century imperial Russia, all ten-year-old Elena Rabinovich wants in the world is

to be one of the Tsar's beloved ballerinas. Her only trouble? Jewish girls like her are not allowed in the Imperial Ballet.

 

 With the help of a kind old widow, Elena becomes one of the luckiest girls in all of Russia when she is awarded a place in the Imperial Ballet School halls under a false name. 

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To accomplish her dream, Elena must learn to navigate the complex friendship dynamics as a dancer and the unspoken rules of the glittering Russian court. All while keeping her true Jewish heritage a secret. ​

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My historical novel, The Matryoshka Doll, is a bildungsroman loosely inspired by the life of Anna Pavlova, one of the most influential ballerinas of all time. 

 

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Awards for an excerpt of The Matryoshka Doll:

• Finalist for Sundress Publication's Best of the Net 2017

• Nominated for a Pushcart Prize

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​Courtney will be seeking representation in 2025.