Tan, 26, said that dancing as the Lilac and Candite fairies in the production is a dream.
"I am actually enjoying it because the music is beautiful," she said. "I just have to listen to the purity of its music and it just takes me."
Beginning at 8 p.m. tonight, the Atlanta Ballet brings the splendor of Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's magical score and the charming fairytale of "The Sleeping Beauty" to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Performances continue at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. The Atlanta Ballet Orchestra will perform live for the entire run, led by guest conductor Ari Pelto.
Regular tickets range from $25 to $100 plus fees. Visit www.ticketmaster.com. Groups of ten or more may call Atlanta Ballet group sales at (404) 873-5811 ext. 207.
A native of the Philippines, Tan previously danced with the Philippine Ballet Theatre. She has been dancing since she was 6 years old and professionally since age 14. Prior to the joining the Atlanta Ballet, Tan danced for a year with the American Repertory Ballet in New Jersey. Her brother, Jared Tan, is also a member of the Atlanta Ballet.
"I am loving the Atlanta Ballet," she said. "Joining this company made me think of staying here till I retire from dancing. Everyone is nice. From the staff to the dancers, I feel like I'm part of a big family."
Choreographed by artistic director John McFall, "The Sleeping Beauty" is a classic fairy tale about the journey of Princess Aurora and her heroic prince.
"'The Sleeping Beauty' is a timeless production that crosses generations," McFall said. "It's a classic story of love and adventure that appeals to all audiences, with lavish costumes, amusing characters, extravagant sets and a beautiful score performed live by the Atlanta Ballet orchestra. A perfect family ballet."
According to the company, the production requires a large ensemble cast of more than 80 dancers, including 24 students from Atlanta Ballet's Centre for Dance Education. Three of the students are Cobb residents.
Company members and husband-and-wife duo John and Christine Winkler will lead cast A as Prince Desire and Princess Aurora. Fellow company members Jacob Bush and Kristine Necessary Loveless will dance the lead roles of prince and princess in cast B. This will be the last big performance for Loveless, who'll retire after nine seasons.
Based on the 1697 Charles Perrault fairy tale, "The Sleeping Beauty" is one of the most popular works of classical ballet and has been performed by companies around the world since its 1825 debut.
After its run, the Atlanta Ballet will perform two more shows in the season, including "Fusion: Lambarena & A World Premiere" in March at Cobb Energy Centre.
In her first season, Tan said she has been impressed with how versatile her fellow dancers are.
"They are very good both in classical and contemporary ballet. I am also surprised with the atmosphere in the studio," she said. "Everyone is just helping each other. There is no such thing as competition. I like watching my co-dancers, they inspire me and I learn from them."
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