Spotlight
At Free 2 Be Me Dance, every dancer has a story worth celebrating.
In this section, we shine a light on the incredible individuals who make our program so
special—from students who’ve grown in confidence, to scholarship recipients reaching
new milestones, to moments of joy shared in our newsletters.
Meet Some of Our Students
Our dancers are the heart of everything we do.
Each student brings their own personality, creativity, and courage to the studio—and we’re
honored to be part of their journey. Whether they’ve been dancing with us for years or just
joined this season, their stories reflect the joy, growth, and confidence that bloom in an inclusive
space.
Get to know some of the incredible dancers who inspire us every day.
MEET NIA!
Nia found F2BMD through Down Syndrome Association, and has been part of the
program since it’s start 16 years ago. Nia enjoys her friends most during class. Her
most memorable moment has been performing at the big stage at CSUN, and watching
the premier of the F2BMD Documentary. Nia’s family believes a large part of her
confidence, happiness, weight control, and showmanship has come from the program.
In her free time, she enjoys all of the arts. Dancing, singing, acting, drawing, painting
playing instruments, and making videos.
MEET MARISOL!
Marisol is a 15 year old dancer, her family found F2BMD through an online search, and
has been with our program since 2022. She likes connecting with friends and
volunteers, being creative on the dance floor. Dance has given Marisol confidence, and
she has only performed in front of an audience through dance class, never at school.
Marisol has started becoming more social and she even joined cheer at school backed
by her dance experience. When she’s not at F2BMD, she enjoys singing.
MEET ALEXIS!
Alexis joined F2BMD at just 5 years old, she’s now 16! She enjoys just about every part
of class, her friends, volunteers, and teachers. Her most memorable part of the program
was performing at SaMoHi and having so much fun she had to be pulled off stage.
Dance has helped Alexis with her listening skills, following directions, and perseverance
to reach her goals. In her free time, she likes spending time with family, camping, and
riding her Sea-Doo!
MEET HELEN!
Helen is 22 and has been dancing at F2BMD dance for 3 years, and found the program
through DSALA. Her favorite part of dance class is Free Dance after Hip Hop, where she
gets the spotlight all to herself. She also greatly enjoys the performance at the 8 Count
Dance recital. Her family feels like she has improved in discipline, teamwork, being
responsible, and her physical wellbeing. Outside of dance, Helen is a photographer and
artist.
MEET MARC!
Marc has been dancing at F2BMD since he was just 7 years old, he will be 21 in
February! His favorite part of dance is having fun with his friends, and his favorite
moment since joining the program was performing at the World Special Olympics in
2015. Marc enjoys basketball, tennis and bowling. He also has earned a black belt in
Aikido, a Japanese martial art. At the time, he was the only person in his class with a
disability, and is the first person with Down Syndrome to achieve it
MEET MONICA!
Monica joined F2BMD at 11 years old, 8 years ago! She has a dual diagnosis, which
means she has autism as well as DS. Dance has helped by exposing her to loud
environments in class, and overcoming her anxiety before and during performances.
Her favorite part of class is being able to dance while spending time with her friends.
When she isn’t dancing, Monica enjoys swimming, playing basketball, and playing with
her dog!
MEET DAYANNA!
Dayanna is a 18 year old dancer and has been at F2BMD dance for 7 years. Her twin
sisters (7yo) started dancing with us this semester! Dayanna enjoys the independence
that dance gives her, as well as spending time with her dance friends. Her mom says
that the program has given her and her daughters emotional support, strength, and
hope. Outside of dance, Dayanna enjoys going to school, making Tik Toks, and playing
with her sisters.
MEET AUBREY!
Aubrey is 17 and joined F2BMD in the Spring of 2023, and found our program through
her best friend. Dance class and performances give her something to look forward to
every Sunday, and a chance to learn valuable skills alongside her friends. Aubrey’s
family says she’s benefitted the most from the patience and kindness of instructors,
and learning how to socialize outside her friend group. Aubrey likes drawing, cheer,
karaoke, zumba, and making Tik Toks.
MEET ARANZA!
Aranza is a 14 year old dancer who joined our program just a month ago. Since then
we’ve seen her confidence and friendships blossom. Dance class to her means a
chance to socialize with peers like herself, more friends, and motivation to get moving.
Her favorite part of class is dancing with the volunteers, our “special friends.” Outside of
dance, Aranza likes to play, go to the park, and listen to music.
Scholarship Spotlights
Dance changes lives—but only if it’s accessible.
At Free 2 Be Me Dance, we proudly offer need-based scholarships so that finances are
never a barrier to belonging. Thanks to generous donors and community partners, over
50% of our students receive full or partial tuition assistance.
Here, we spotlight just a few of the dancers whose lives have been touched by your
support—and who continue to inspire us with their resilience, joy, and love for dance.
Meet Billy, a Scholarship Recipient!
Billy’s journey with Free 2 Be Me Dance during our summer 2024 classes, and his presence and talent have made a remarkable and everlasting impact on our program. His story is nothing short of inspiring. Adopted at the age of 7, Billy discovered dance as his lifeline—a powerful outlet that has helped him navigate the many challenges life has thrown his way. Learn more about his story below, and how you can make an impact for dancers like Billy.
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When asked about how she came to adopt Billy, Stephanie explains, “Billy is my biological nephew, but I’m also his adoptive mother. My sister Rosanna, Billy’s mom, passed away, but I had Billy before that. He grew up with a lot of trauma—neglect, abandonment, and abuse. Both of his parents struggled with substance abuse.”
Billy’s early years were tumultuous. He was moved between various family members as his biological parents faced significant challenges. Stephanie recalls, “Billy was very angry and aggressive. He would tear up things because he was so mad and confused.”
Eventually, the judge decided that Billy should be placed for adoption. Stephanie, who had extensive experience working with children in residential treatment programs and those with disabilities and severe emotional issues, felt a calling to take Billy in. “I had worked with this population my whole life, and it’s no wonder God led me to Billy,” she says.
Reflecting on her decision to bring Billy to Los Angeles, Stephanie shares, “I brought him here just before Christmas, right after he turned seven. To help Billy channel some of his energy, I enrolled him in a dance class. He was really small for his age, but he kept up with the choreography, and the instructors were amazed.”
Dance quickly became Billy’s outlet. “He could mimic every move, especially Michael Jackson’s, because he learns by watching others. Dance was his way of coping—it kept him from tearing up the house or acting out his frustrations,” Stephanie explains.
Stephanie holds a double major in Criminal Justice Law Enforcement and Corrections, a Master’s in Administration of Justice, another in Clinical Psychology, and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Despite her impressive career, Stephanie was forced to stop working after being diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) while also focusing on caring for Billy. “All of my time goes to Billy now, and that’s why I had to quit work. It’s just been one thing after another,” she shares.
Billy has always loved being involved in activities, but financial constraints have been a challenge. Stephanie often has to remind him, “Billy, I don’t have money for all these things you want to do.” However, she acknowledges how crucial these activities are for his mental health and overall well-being. “His passion for these activities is his life,” she adds.
Billy was born with an intellectual disability and ADHD, and while his new psychiatrist suspects he may also have autism, further testing has not been done. Despite these challenges, Billy remains eager to participate in various activities, which Stephanie knows is essential for him.
Creative spaces have always allowed Billy to thrive, even when traditional classrooms were difficult. When Billy discovered Free 2 Be Me Dance, he immediately wanted to be part of it. Stephanie remembers, “When he saw you guys, he said, ‘Mom, that’s where I want to be.’ And when I left there last week, I told Billy, ‘You’re right, they are really nice people.’”
Billy’s involvement in dance has been transformative. He even started teaching dance classes from home via Zoom, finding that dance is crucial to his mental health and well-being. “He loves being around people and helping other students. Dance keeps him focused,” Stephanie says.
Billy dreams of becoming a background dancer, and when asked about his favorite thing at Free 2 Be Me Dance, he says, “I like the ballet class the most. I don’t know why, I just really like it. I also like making new friends, and it’s pretty cool.” Stephanie notes that the environment at Free 2 Be Me Dance is so supportive and controlled that when Billy leaves, he doesn’t feel stressed or anxious. “Everyone is so kind, and that makes me feel calm,” Billy adds.
Your monthly donation today will allow Billy to continue to participate in dance, which is not just a hobby for him, but a vital part of his emotional stability and personal growth.
All donations are tax deductible.
Meet Emily Canseco, a Scholarship Recipient!
Emily found her inspiration for dance through watching her younger brother. His dance teacher welcomed Emily into his class, but her autism made it challenging to keep up with other students. That's when her family discovered Free 2 Be Me Dance last October and applied for scholarship funds. Emily decided to use the money she received on her
16th birthday to fund her first dance classes. We were able to take care of the rest.
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"This program is a blessing." says Emily's mom, Velma. The scholarship donations are
extremely beneficial for her, and make it possible to provide this life changing program
as a single mother raising three children on a low income. For Emily, seeing dance class
on her mom's calendar is something to look forward to, Velma shares, emphasizing how
it has positively impacted Emily's behavior. "I HAVE to go to dancel" Emily expresses.
"It's the highlight of her week," Velma says.
Emily enjoys socializing with others who share her disability. "She participates more in
dance class than she does at school." Velma observes. Free 2 Be Me Dance classes
have boosted her confidence, helped her break out of her shell, and facilitated new
friendships.
Emily's family has witnessed incredible growth in just a few months with the program.
Before class, Emily points to a fellow dancer and says, "That's my best friend!* Velma
finds it remarkable to see Emily engage like that with others, something she hadn't seen
from her before.
Before joining Free 2 Be Me Dance, Emily disliked hugs, but now she welcomes them.
Emily's mom appreciates the opportunity during classes for parents to gather, exchange
knowledge, and offer support. She finds comfort in hearing other parents' stories,
feeling less alone, and even likening it to therapy.
Emily's nutritionist at her children's hospital also appreciates Free 2 Be Me Dance's
impact. Some medications Emily takes for her autism cause weight gain, so the
exercise from dance classes benefits her health.
Emily is one of the newer students experiencing her first full season with Free 2 Be Me
Dance. Spring 2023 marked Emily's debut performance!
"The love they show you comes straight from their hearts," Velma says about people
with special needs, which is one of the many reasons we here at Free 2 Be Me Dance do
what we do.
Keep Supporting Dancers Like Emily!
Your donations go directly towards funding scholarships for dancers like Emily. All
donations are tax deductible.
