The Italian Ballerina

The story beautifully blends art and history, but I'm curious whether the ballet aspect was based on real events or purely fictional. How did this element shape the overall story?

Their resilience in the face of war felt so real and heartfelt. I wonder if others found certain scenes particularly impactful or personal.

The shifting between the past and present added depth but also complexity. Was this structure planned from the start or developed during writing?