"If I could dance like this for a lifetime, I'd be perfectly happy."

🟠 01 | From Beijing to New York: A Dancer’s Awakening

Mini still remembers her first dance performance during elementary school. But what truly ignited her passion was a hip-hop experience in high school.

"I didn’t want to learn Jazz back then—everyone was doing ‘girly’ dances, and I wanted to be different."

So she chose Hip-hop. Because it was "cool," and because it represented freedom of expression beyond gender labels.

In 2015, driven by the dream of "pilgrimaging to the birthplace of Hip-hop," she arrived in New York alone.

🟠 02 | First Club Experience: Dance as a Way of Life

In her early days in New York, stepping into a club for the first time, Mini witnessed dance as lived experience—not performance, not competition, not spectacle. Amidst a crowd of OGs, locals, Black and Asian dancers, she saw:

"Everyone was dancing for themselves, not for an audience."

She describes it as a state of freedom and authenticity: "Not about being seen, but about existing."

🟠 03 | Mentor Ryan: Style and Creativity Over Technique

Mini’s deepest inspiration came from her teacher Ryan Davis (aka RK Davis). He told her:

"Style and creativity matter more than technique."

Ryan later left the dance world due to industry disillusionment and health reasons, but Mini never forgot: A dancer’s power comes from within, not external applause.

🟠 04 | Student to Teacher: Not All Teaching Is "Teaching Dance"

Mini’s teaching journey began unconventionally. Her first class was a favor—covering for a friend. Back then, she was still taking classes at BDC and wasn’t the strongest dancer in the room.

But she accepted the challenge:

"If someone trusted me, why couldn’t I trust myself?"

That trust became her driving force. During the pandemic, as she taught online, she redefined dance education:"Teaching dance isn’t about teaching moves. Whether I’m sharing original choreography or steps from a video, my goal is to deepen students’ understanding of their bodies."

🟠 05 | Pandemic Breakthrough: The Birth of PJM

When COVID-19 hit New York in 2020, the dance scene froze. Studios closed, classes vanished. But Mini and co-founder Peter saw an opening:

"Dancers desperately needed space—physically and spiritually."

They started small, renting a local venue intending to serve Chinese students. Unexpectedly, it grew into a multicultural hub. Unlike tourist-driven studios (e.g., BDC or Brickhouse), PJM thrived on authenticity:"I hire teachers based on trust, not hype. I know why they’re great."

🟠 06 | When Clubs Fade, Battle Emerges

Mini admits today’s NYC club scene is unrecognizable from her early days. Yet she believes true dance lives in improvisation.

At PJM, she launched freestyle battles—giving choreography-focused students a space for self-expression. Judges like OG Future evaluate not technique, but:

"Are you listening to the music?"

🟠 07 | Fast-Food Dance Culture: Same Moves, Lost Souls

Mini observes a troubling trend:

"10 dancers used to perform one move in 10 unique ways. Now, 10 dancers look like clones."

Body control can be trained—but style demands lived experience. She reminds students:"Street dance isn’t just steps; it’s attitude, it’s lifestyle."

Recalling her Litefeet days in Harlem’s community centers, dancing alongside Black teens who asked if she’d "become a disciple":"To learn their culture, you had to live it. I’ll never be them—but I honor their energy by weaving it into my own dance language."

🟠 08 | "I’m Just a Person Who Dances"

Mini still takes weekly classes—Heels, Contemporary, House, Litefeet—exploring her multitudes.

"Different life stages crave different styles. Dance evolves with you."

Her secret?Surrender to what your body needs now.

🟠 09 | Industry Exhaustion, Dance as Sanctuary

The dance industry offers two paths: fit in (chase commercial gigs) or be yourself (build authentic community). Mini chose the latter.

This road has no template. As creator/operator/community-builder, burnout comes from logistics—not dancing:"The hardest part? Handling people, operations, drama."

Yet after every class, the fog lifts:"Dance isn’t about performing on a stage. It’s about courage—to express, to practice, to own your choices."

🟠 10 | For Beginners: Three Truths

To new dancers, Mini offers grounded wisdom:✨ Seek the source (learn from OGs)✨ Honor your pace (don’t rush "mastery")✨ Know your why (dance doesn’t require professionalism)

"Dancing is a privilege: health, safety, resources—not everyone has this."

🟣 Epilogue｜Keep on Dancing

Mini Zhang’s story isn’t a "dreamer-turns-star" fairy tale. It’s real—full of crossroads, grit, luck, and unwavering loyalty to her craft.

She dances not to become someone else, but to become fully herself.

🔗 Follow

* Mini Zhang:

* Instagram: @minizhang._

* RedNote: @Mini Zhang

* PJM Studio:

* Instagram: @pjmdancenyc

* RedNote: @PJM Dance NYC

* Class schedule: Pinned on the RedNote — daily classes available!

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