Our History
In 1967, Lee Lee Lan founded the Federal Academy of Ballet (FAB), laying its humble beginnings in a church and school hall before settling into a small house in Petaling Jaya. From these modest roots, the academy blossomed into a prestigious institution, shaping the future of dance in Malaysia. FAB has played a pivotal role in nurturing talent, allowing many dancers to forge successful careers both locally and internationally.
Lee Lee Lan's passion for dance was matched only by her commitment to inclusivity. "I have taught people from all walks of life—from taxi drivers to koay teow sellers, and some of them have opened their own ballet schools," she shared in a 2009 interview with The Star. Her vision extended beyond gender norms, as she actively encouraged boys to embrace ballet, breaking down barriers and expanding opportunities.
Today, with over 50 years of history, FAB stands as a beacon of excellence in the Malaysian dance scene. Its dedicated teachers and loyal students have helped cement its reputation as one of the nation's top dance schools. The academy's impact reaches far beyond its walls, with many of its students continuing their studies at renowned institutions like the Royal Ballet School. Some have earned scholarships to prestigious schools such as Bush Davies, Central School of Ballet, Urdang Academy, and the London Studio Centre.
FAB's bi-annual dance concerts serve as a launchpad for its brightest stars, who have gone on to perform with prominent dance companies in Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK. The academy also boasts a remarkable record in the Royal Academy of Dancing (RAD) and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) examinations in Malaysia. The first-ever students in the country to achieve honours—the highest academic accolade for a dancer—at the Pre-Elementary, Elementary, Intermediate, and ISTD Advanced Levels were all trained at the Federal Academy of Ballet.
Through its unwavering commitment to excellence and inclusivity, the Federal Academy of Ballet, now known as "Federal Academy of Ballet, Centre of Creative Arts", continues to inspire and shape the future of dance in Malaysia.
Lee Lee Lan's passion for dance was matched only by her commitment to inclusivity. "I have taught people from all walks of life—from taxi drivers to koay teow sellers, and some of them have opened their own ballet schools," she shared in a 2009 interview with The Star. Her vision extended beyond gender norms, as she actively encouraged boys to embrace ballet, breaking down barriers and expanding opportunities.
Today, with over 50 years of history, FAB stands as a beacon of excellence in the Malaysian dance scene. Its dedicated teachers and loyal students have helped cement its reputation as one of the nation's top dance schools. The academy's impact reaches far beyond its walls, with many of its students continuing their studies at renowned institutions like the Royal Ballet School. Some have earned scholarships to prestigious schools such as Bush Davies, Central School of Ballet, Urdang Academy, and the London Studio Centre.
FAB's bi-annual dance concerts serve as a launchpad for its brightest stars, who have gone on to perform with prominent dance companies in Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK. The academy also boasts a remarkable record in the Royal Academy of Dancing (RAD) and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) examinations in Malaysia. The first-ever students in the country to achieve honours—the highest academic accolade for a dancer—at the Pre-Elementary, Elementary, Intermediate, and ISTD Advanced Levels were all trained at the Federal Academy of Ballet.
Through its unwavering commitment to excellence and inclusivity, the Federal Academy of Ballet, now known as "Federal Academy of Ballet, Centre of Creative Arts", continues to inspire and shape the future of dance in Malaysia.