Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Chang.
Hi Crystal, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started dancing as a little girl searching for color in a very gray, structured world. While other kids played, I spent my days at a desk, self-teaching and following a strict schedule. But everything changed the day I stepped into a dance studio with wooden floors and mirrored walls. The moment I changed my shoes, it felt like I was stepping into a new world—one where movement spoke louder than words.
Dance became my freedom. It let me dream, express, and feel joy in a way nothing else ever had. I made a silent promise back then: as long as dance would be there for me, I would dance.
I was born and raised in the D.C. area, where I trained classically in ballet before exploring other styles that deepened my love of movement. In 2002, I launched my professional career with a worldwide dance franchise and later moved to Greenville in 2010 to continue teaching. Over the years, I’ve been honored with multiple Top Teacher awards and became an NDCA Open Professional Rising Star American Rhythm Finalist in 2014.
The Ballroom Lab is the continuation of that promise. It’s my way of sharing that joy with others—creating a space where people can move, grow, and discover their own voice through dance.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. My path here has been far from direct, filled with twists, pivots, and some pretty steep learning curves. I started my career in a large franchise, which came with a lot of structure—but also a lot of rules. Navigating inter-studio dynamics and trying to grow within those limits made it tough to fully explore my own vision as a teacher and artist.
Then there was the move to the South. I always say—I didn’t even realize I was Chinese until I moved to South Carolina. I grew up in the D.C. area, which is such a diverse melting pot that my identity was just… normal. But coming to a place where I was suddenly ‘the only one’ in many rooms was a culture shock. I had to work hard to earn trust, to be understood, and to build something from the ground up.
Yet, I’m thankful for every challenge that has shaped me. Those experiences are exactly why I created The Ballroom Lab—to carve out a space that reflects inclusion, creativity, and the freedom to grow. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Ballroom Lab is more than a dance studio—it’s a space where movement becomes a tool for self-discovery, connection, and joy. Our slogan, ‘experimenting with movement. experiencing connection,’ captures the heart of what we do. Yes, we teach ballroom dancing—but our deeper purpose is to create a space where people can grow, stretch, and connect through dance in ways that are both playful and meaningful.
Our mission is to unlock the potential of human creativity through the movement of dance. Whether you’re brand new to ballroom or an experienced competitor, our approach encourages exploration and expression. We’re known for blending solid technical foundation with a welcoming, experimental environment. What sets us apart is that we don’t just teach steps—we create space for people to challenge themselves, surprise themselves, and connect more deeply with others.
We work with dancers at all levels, and while we offer private lessons, social dance, competition prep, and workshops, the common thread in everything we do is our emphasis on personal transformation through movement. I’m proud that our brand has become synonymous with thoughtful, individualized instruction and a truly inclusive atmosphere.
At The Ballroom Lab, we believe dance is for everyone—not just the polished or the perfect, but the curious, the unsure, and the bold. We invite people to experiment, to fail safely, to grow, and above all, to feel something real. That’s the magic of what we offer—and what we hope our students carry with them, both on and off the dance floor.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’d like to thank Becci Kimm, my ballet teacher, who—last I heard—continues to inspire dancers to this day. Her precision and care, especially in protecting the structure of our feet and thoughtfully assigning pointe shoes, taught me the importance of technical integrity and body awareness—lessons I still value deeply.
I’m also deeply grateful to Corey Ginkel, my ballroom coach, who believed in my potential as a dancer and instructor even during times when I struggled to believe in myself. That unwavering encouragement helped shape the teacher I am today.
I’d like to thank all of my students—none of this would be possible without them. Their trust, support, and willingness to grow with me mean more than words can express. They are the heart of what I do, and I’m endlessly grateful to be part of their dance journeys.
But most of all, I thank my grandmother. She was a woman of incredible strength and elegance, someone who never met a task she couldn’t excel at. Her grace was matched only by a quiet power—she had a kindness so strong, it redefined what it meant to “kill with kindness.” She taught me that strength and softness can coexist, and her spirit continues to guide me in everything I do, both on and off the dance floor.
Pricing:
- New Student Special $50 for 2 Private Lessons
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theballroomlab.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theballroomlab
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theballlroomlab
