Our Story
It began with a cup of coffee and a bold vision
In 2017, amidst the quiet calm of a Malaysian morning, founder Jia Xi Lee sat with a cup of coffee, looking out over a local taman (neighborhood) field. In that suspended moment between the past and future, a word arrived, fully formed:
TARI[dance]
It was a name born from a simple, yet profound philosophy. In the national language of Malaysia, Tari means dance.
For Jia Xi, it is more than just movement; it is the heartbeat of her heritage, a core belief in the power of authentic cultural roots to ground and guide us.
NAO[now]
The second part, nao, is a playful, intentional twist on the word "now." It represents a deep commitment to being fully present in the moment.
For Tarinao, this presence isn't passive—it is an active dedication to serving communities based on the latest research and a genuine understanding of their current needs.This fusion of Tari (rooted heritage) and Nao (present action) became the cornerstone of everything we do.
What began as a quiet morning reflection grew into a mission to transform dance education through a biopsychosocial approach—balancing the physical, mental, and social aspects of each individual.
From that single moment of presence, Tarinao was born: a space where tradition meets innovation, where every dancer's journey is honored, and where movement becomes a powerful tool for individual and community growth. We invite you to join us in this dance between our roots and the infinite possibilities of the now.
Meet the Founder
