Yuan Yuan Tan

My hero is Yuan Yuan Tan. She is a professional ballerina. I’m studying her because I’m interested in ballet. I also want to learn more about the art of ballet. That is why I chose her. What I think makes a hero is never giving up and, no matter how many times you make a mistake, think “No matter how good you are, you always need practice.”

Some of her frustrations were because of her parents. Her dad wanted her to be an engineer and her mom wanted her to be a ballet star. They settled the matter by flipping a coin. Another difficulty that happened is that she had three leg fractures from practicing ice skating and air-turns.

Some of her goals were to be in John Cranko’s "Onegin." She also wanted to be in Kenneth MacMillan’s "Manon."

Tan has many accomplishments. She won the Nijinsky Award for best form and poise; she also danced at the White House for President Bill Clinton. At age 21, Tan’s determination helped her reach the world's highest critic rating.

Her personal information is that she wants to be fearless. Her favorite ballets are ones with romantic stories in them. Tan was accepted at age 11 to a professional ballet school. Her home town is Shanghai, and she is to dance there for its anniversary.