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From Ballet Dreams to Jazzercise Queen: Malaysian Entrepreneur Builds Fitness Empire

Christina Yap’s life is a testament to the enduring power of passion and grit. A ballerina at heart, she defied traditional expectations in 1960s Malaysia, forging her own path through the world of dance and fitness. What began as a clandestine affair with ballet lessons evolved into a thriving career as the pioneering force behind Jazzercise in Malaysia and Indonesia.

"Great artists are people who find the way to be themselves in their art," once said renowned ballerina Dame Margot Fonteyn. This resonates deeply with Yap, who found solace and strength in movement from a young age. Despite her traditional Asian upbringing, which didn’t view dance as a viable career, Yap’s passion burned bright.

Secretly taking ballet classes, she defied her parents’ wishes, showcasing her natural talent and even training alongside future Hollywood star Michelle Yeoh. These early years laid the foundation for a lifelong love affair with dance, eventually leading her to pursue formal training at the now-closed Bush Davies School of Theatre Arts in the United Kingdom.

Returning to Malaysia, Yap embraced her dream, sharing her love of movement through teaching. Marriage to her sweetheart, Raymond Yap, brought an exciting chapter in Japan. Displaced from her dance community, Yap stumbled upon Jazzercise, a dance fitness program buzzing with energy and a welcoming atmosphere.

It was love at first lyrcis.

Jazzercise, founded by American Judi Sheppard Missett in 1969, sought to demystify dance and make fitness fun and accessible. By simplifying choreography and incorporating high-energy music, Missett created a unique program that captivated women worldwide.

Yap’s own experience mirrored this journey. "My first class… gave me such a great workout and I fell in love with it immediately,” she recalled. Finding herself in a room abuzz with the energy of women seeking both fitness and fun, Yap knew she found her calling.

She became one of the first 10 certified Jaszercise instructors in Japan, introducing the fitness phenomenon back to Malaysia in 1984. Initially working independently, Yap built a dedicated following through corporate class offerings, proving that her enthusiasm was infectious.

But Yap’s ambitions didn’t stop there. She sought to bring Jazzercise to the forefront, pushing the brand to grant her the franchise for Malaysia and Indonesia in 2008.

"I’m a dinosaur and if you don’t want me to go extinct, you better come here," she told her boss, finally securing the opportunity to officially expand the Jazzercise empire.Training 108 instructors, Yap built a flourishing community of fitness enthusiasts.

Today, Yap’s passion continues to drive her. Barlowing between her studio in Shah Alam and organizational efforts, she’s become a familiar face championing life through movement. Her "Sweat2Smiles" charity events, previously known as Jazzerthons, have raised thousands over the past four decades, her commitment to social impact as tangible as her commitment to fitness.

Even a recent diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy, a condition that causes numbness in her legs, hasn’t dimmed her spirit.

"If Judi is still fit and teaching at 80, ‘youngsters’ like me cannot quit!" Yap declared, a testament to her enduring drive.

“You have to live life with a purpose,” said Yap, emphasizing the importance of finding meaning beyond retirement. "I will teach as long as I can stand on my two feet."

Christina Yap’s story is more than just a fitness journey. It’s a testament to the power of perseverance, dedication, and a spirit that refuses to be dimmed by challenges. It’s a story that resonates with audiences worldwide.