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See if you can answer these questions about Chan. Look on the previous page if when you need to reread for details.

1. Describe Chan's childhood and her family.

   Answer Chan was born in Beijing China on February 1st, 1969. She came from a very artistic family. Both her parents were dancers. Her uncle was a choreographer and her grandfather a famous painter. She seemed destined for an artistic life. Chan watched her father dance and decided she wanted to be like him. Her parents discouraged this though. When she was eight she moved with her family to Canada, where her parents opened a dance studio. She kept dancing and eventually her parents realized she had potential. They then supported her dream of becoming a professional dancer.

2. What were the biggest challenges Chan had to overcome to meet her goals?

   Answer Chan's parents initially didn't want her to become a dancer. They thought it was too hard a life for her. Chan also had difficulty adjusting to life in Canada. School was hard for her because she didn't understand English.

3. What was the major accomplishment in her life?

   Answer Chan became a member of the National Ballet of Canada in 1988.

4. What personality traits do you think helped Chan accomplish her goals?

   Answer Chan was very determined and practiced hard. She didn't let failure or doubt prevent her from achieving her dream of being a professional dancer.