Yuan Yuan Tan embarked on her ballet journey at Shanghai Dance School at 11, remarkably, she swiftly rose through the ranks, earning international acclaim with gold medals in prestigious competitions. Joining San Francisco Ballet at 18, Yuan Yuan Tan swiftly rose to prominence, becoming the company's youngest principal dancer just two years later. Notably, she holds the distinction of being both the first Chinese principal dancer and the longest-serving principal in the ballet company's illustrious 27-year history. Tan's illustrious career saw her as a marquee performer, excelling in iconic roles across classical and contemporary ballets. Beyond the stage, she graced the pages of renowned magazines and served as a brand ambassador for esteemed companies. Post-retirement from San Francisco Ballet in 2024, her legacy endures, marked by her final poignant portrayal in Frederic Ashton's "Marguerite and Armand."