In November 2016, the NFJ Ballet, initially known as the LPU Dance Academy in partnership with the Lyceum of the Philippines University, Cavite, was founded by Naomi Jaena and Francis Jaena Jr. With a combined professional experience of 35 years as ballet dancers, their passion for dance and commitment to giving back to the community led to the establishment of the school. In the early years, the academy flourished, attracting students and establishing itself as a prominent institution in the dance community. The school conducted recitals and collaborations with university events, gaining recognition and earning an invitation to participate in the Ballet Philippines 50th-anniversary celebration at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. However, the partnership with LPU faced a temporary setback due to the global pandemic in 2020, leading to a pause in physical classes.