Legacy

Lee Lee Lan's health declined in her 70s, and she passed away on 16 May 2022 in her home, age 77. She leaves behind her husband, children, and grandchildren.
The Malaysian arts scene and former students took to social media to mourn her passing, with many expressing their gratitude and dedication towards her work.

“Through her ballet school, the Federal Academy of Ballet, Lee Lee Lan created a whole dance ecosystem that ranged from early childhood arts education, to popular public ballet productions to giving such luminaries as Dr Joseph Gonzales his early start. I was always struck by the way she carried herself with so much grace and dignity, on and off stage.”- Kathy Rowland, original co-founder of Kakiseni and today Managing Editor of ArtsEquator

“I was With Mrs Lee from a very young age. I was sent for classes because my mother thought I was chubby and ballet would do me good. My generation (I am already 60!) was taught to remember our teachers – she was the one who taught me everything from zero and made me what I am today. All Mrs Lee’s former students have always held her in high esteem.” - Serena Tan, owner of Serena Ballet School ​

“She was quick and witty. Resourceful and ever so hardworking. She was a class above. An inspiration. Her dedication and contribution to dance will never be forgotten.” - Mindy Thooi, former FAB student and Principal of Central School of Classical Ballet, Perth

“We were always busy at FAB. It was never just about dance lessons. We had school concerts, charity performances, choreographic workshops and TV shows to work on. There was never a dull moment,” she shared. “Thank you Mrs Lee for the wonderful memories growing up in FAB, our second home.” - Suraya Kaiml, founder of Aurora School of Dance

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