Who We Are

At Free 2 Be Me Dance, we’re more than just teachers and faculty—we’re cheerleaders, advocates, and a family.

Free 2 Be Me Dance began with one article, one spark of inspiration—and one big dream. In 2008, our founder Colleen Perry—a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and former ballet dancer—read a story about an adaptive dance program for children with Down syndrome at the Boston Ballet. Moved by the idea, she flew across the country to meet with the program’s director and learn how dance could be used as a tool for inclusion, empowerment, and joy.


What started as a small weekly ballet class in Los Angeles quickly grew into something much bigger: a community.

As more families joined, it became clear there was a tremendous need for inclusive, adaptive dance opportunities. Over time, Free 2 Be Me Dance expanded to offer not only ballet, but also hip hop, tap, ballroom, and strength & mobility classes—serving dancers of all ages and abilities.


Now in our 17th year, we’re proud to be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving those in need and often underserved. At our core, we’re still driven by the same mission that started it all: To create a space where every body belongs, and every dancer is free to be exactly who they are.

Our History

Meet Our Team

What makes our team special isn’t just their talent—it’s their compassion, patience, and unwavering belief in every student who walks through our doors.


These are the people who cheer the loudest, encourage the bravest steps, and make the magic happen.


Our Administrative Team

Colleen Perry

FOUNDER & PROGRAM DIRECTOR
colleen@free2bemedance.org


Colleen (she/her) is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California (MFC38937). Early in the year 2009, Colleen read an article in People magazine about an amazing program at the Boston Ballet teaching dance to children with Down syndrome, and was immediately inspired to fly to Boston and meet with the director of the program. This is Colleen's 15th year of directing this program, combining her love of dance and desire to bring accessible dance to everyone.

Julia Anderson Durst

ASSISTANT PROGRAM DIRECTOR / BALLET & TAP INSTRUCTOR / VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

julia@free2bemedance.org


Julia’s journey of giving back began in Girl Scouts, where she earned the prestigious Silver and Gold Awards, the highest honors in Girl Scouting. As a proud member of the Chickasaw Nation, Julia is deeply inspired by her tribe’s values of resilience, community, and cultural preservation, which shape her commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion.A dancer since the age of 2.5, Julia has performed and choreographed nationwide for renowned organizations such as Six Flags Over Texas and The Miss America Organization. After attending the University of Texas at Arlington, she moved to Los Angeles in 2009 to pursue a career in entertainment, always keeping dance close to her heart.In 2024, Julia found her home at Free 2 Be Me Dance, which aligned perfectly with her passion for inclusion and service. Now a full-time volunteer, she is devoted to empowering dancers of all abilities to thrive. Drawing from her Chickasaw heritage, lifelong love of dance, and dedication to service, Julia strives to create a meaningful and lasting impact through inclusion, creativity, and compassion.

Azalia Martinez-Cruz

PROGRAM COORDINATOR

azalia@free2bemedance.org


Azalia (she/her) is an LA native and has been dancing in various styles since she was 4, most extensively in folklórico and Aztec dance, but also in jazz, Hip Hop, and contemporary. She has always been interested in uplifting those who are underrepresented, and it is no different with Free 2 Be Me Dance. Azalia started out as a volunteer in early 2023, and she quickly fell in love with our program. Hired as Marketing & Communications Coordinator, she is now our Program Coordinator.

Teaching Staff

Gretchen Neville

BALLET INSTRUCTOR



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    Gretchen (she/her) had a dream of becoming a ballerina at a very young age. She’s had extensive training throughout her dance career in ballet, tap, jazz and acrobatics with an emphasis in ballet. Gretchen joined Free 2 Be Me Dance in 2018 to teach Ballet II and fell in love with these dancers. She has always believed that every child should have access to the gift of dance! The joy she feels when she engages with her students is immeasurable. As they learn from her, she learns from them.

Jason DeRoest

LATIN BALLROOM/HIP HOP INSTRUCTOR

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    Jason DeRoest (he/him) comes from Pleasant Grove, Utah. He trained at The Dance Club and Center Stage studios in Orem, Utah. His TV credits include Eli Stone, The Starters Wife, and America's Best Dance Crew, as well as commercials for Visa and American Idol. Jason performed in the Broadway Tours of Victor Victoria and Footloose, and the Chicago company of Wicked. Jason currently teaches at Free 2 Be Me Dance as well as Center Stage Dance LA. He is passionate about teaching dance and using it as an opportunity to share what he has learned throughout his career with those who have a desire to take their technique and skill to the next level.

Kate Dougherty

HIP HOP INSTRUCTOR

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    Kate was born and raised in Pennsylvania and got her degree in Dance from Muhlenberg College. In 2016, she moved to Los Angeles to begin a career with Diavolo | Architecture in Motion. Besides being a performer and teacher with Diavolo, Kate has held many leadership roles including Marketing Manager, Education Program Director, Rehearsal Director and Associate Choreographer. Kate has always passionately spread her love of dance through her work as a dance educator. She has been teaching dance classes for over a decade to children and adults of all ages and abilities. She has worked in dance studios and taught classes for professional dancers. She has also taught outreach programs in schools around Los Angeles through Diavolo and Everybody Dance LA and has led movement workshops for military veterans.

Bri Nixon

HIP HOP & STRENGTH & MOBILITY INSTRUCTOR

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    Bri Nixon is originally from Akron, Ohio and has been dancing since the age of 3. She moved out to LA in 2016 to further her dance career as well as obtain a BS in Kinesiology Exercise Science from California State University of Northridge. Bri has always had a passion for working with kids with special needs, which is why she started volunteering in 2020 with F2BMD, then later was able to approve with her university to make it an official internship. She is actively in the dance and acting industry herself and signed with Go 2 Talent Agency (dance) and The Polygon Group (acting). Bri believes that dance is for all and is grateful everyday to share the healing joy of dance with others!

Why Dance Matters

Dance is more than movement—it’s a lifeline for many of our students.

For some, this is their only opportunity for structured physical activity each week. And that movement matters—because students with disabilities, especially those with Down syndrome, are at higher risk for heart conditions, low muscle tone, and weight gain due to medication or limited access to inclusive fitness programs. At Free 2 Be Me Dance, we use joyful, adaptive movement to support whole-person health—body, mind, and spirit.

Benefits of Dance

● Improves cardiovascular health and physical stamina

● Builds strength, balance, and coordination

● Boosts confidence and self-esteem

● Provides safe, supported social interaction

● Increases focus, memory, and independence

● Supports healthy weight and emotional regulation

● Fosters joy in a space where every dancer belongs

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is made up of dedicated individuals who believe deeply in our mission and help guide the vision of Free 2 Be Me Dance.

Colleen Perry

PRESIDENT

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    Colleen Perry started Free 2 Be Me Dance in 2009 as a labor of love inspired by the

    Boston Ballet's adaptive dance program. As Board President, she combines her

    passion for dance as a former ballet dancer, previous role in corporate America,

    current role as a Marriage and Family Therapist, with her affinity for people with

    Down syndrome. Her role is to ensure the Free 2 Be Me Dance program maintains its

    exceptionally high standards, and continues to add value and joy to all of the

    dancers, families, and those who are lucky enough to see them perform!​ ​

Melanie Miller

SECRETARY

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    Melanie Miller has been associated with Free 2 Be Me Dance for 10 years and is

    happy to celebrate our upcoming anniversary. She finds herself fortunate to serve wonderful dancers, their parents and the F2BMD Board.


    ​Melanie brings 45 years of healthcare experience mainly in the nursing service line.

    She migrated to supply chain management because she felt that her skill sets would

    best serve patients and families as an advocate for the best medical supplies at the lowest best cost.


    She loves Free 2 Be Me and hopes that the world at large will happily engage and

    support the well deserving dancers throughout the year.

Julia Anderson Durst

CFO

Kate Dougherty

Teasurer

Harshal Doshi

BOARD MEMBER

Ryan Alvarez

BOARD MEMBER

Jay Barr

In Memorium

Thank you to our Donors


We are deeply grateful for each donor, sponsor, and partner who has contributed to our mission. Your support directly impacts the lives of our dancers, allowing them to shine onstage and in life!