Love Bridge premieres in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, on Aug 29, this year's Qixi Festival, often called China's Valentine's Day. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Tan is a Shanghai native who joined the San Francisco Ballet in 1995. Two years later, at 18, she became the company's solo dancer and was promoted to principal dancer by age 20.

Transitioning from a renowned ballet dancer to the artistic director of a Chinese ballet company has been a transformative experience for the 48-year-old.

As a dancer, Tan was accustomed to expressing herself onstage, but as an artistic director, her role has expanded to include overseeing all aspects of the production.

"I feel more nervous watching the dancers perform than I ever did as a dancer myself," Tan says.

"I'm constantly worried about unexpected challenges, but I take great joy in seeing the dancers grow and evolve. The role of artistic director is far more challenging behind the scenes. I have to balance many aspects of the production, from choreography to costume design, and everything in between."

Despite the challenges, Tan has found her new role deeply rewarding.

"The work behind the scenes is far more complex than I expected, but it's a challenge that has deepened my love for this art form," she says.