Colleen Perry

FOUNDER / DIRECTOR

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

Julia’s journey of giving back began at a young age when she joined Girl Scouts, inspired by her mother’s guidance. Her dedication to service deepened as she earned prestigious awards, including the Silver and Gold Awards, Girl Scouting’s highest honors. As she grew older, Julia extended her commitment to her community through her roles as a titleholder in the Miss Teen Texas & Miss Texas America Organizations.
Dancing since the age of 2.5, it has always been one of Julia’s greatest passions. She graced stages nationwide, performing and choreographing for esteemed organizations like Six Flags Over Texas and The Miss America Organization. After attending the University of Texas at Arlington, Julia moved to Los Angeles in 2009 to pursue a career in entertainment. Though she took a break from dancing during this time, she knew it would always remain a vital part of her life.


When Julia discovered Free 2 Be Me Dance in Spring of 2024, she immediately began volunteering and felt an instant connection. During her first class, she realized this was more than just a place to dance—it was her new home and calling. Now, as Assistant Director, Julia channels her passion into helping every dancer shine, ensuring they can explore their love for dance, regardless of their abilities. Her lifelong commitment to service and her love for dance intertwine in her mission to make a lasting impact.

Azalia Martinez-Cruz

PROGRAM COORDINATOR / INSTRUCTOR

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 and Hip Hop II instructor.

Gretchen Neville

BALLET INSTRUCTOR

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

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. 

Board of Directors

Colleen Perry

PRESIDENT

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!​ ​

Jay Barr

in memoriam

Jay Barr was a Free 2 Be Me board member and the COO at Savitsky, Satin, Bacon & Bucci, a business management firm in Los Angeles. Jay served as the CFO on the board of directors for Free 2 Be Me Dance for 10 years
until he had to step back to take care of his health. He was selfless in his friendship and
his service on the board. He never said “No” and would always find a way to make the
impossible happen. He was a man who loved his life and his three children dearly. He was someone who
woke up every day happy and grateful for life. He was a man of great love and integrity.

Melanie Miller

SECRETARY

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.

Harshal Doshi

BOARD MEMBER

Harshal Doshi is the father of one of our dancers, Jaya. He serves as the voice of our parents on the board and facilitates communication to the parents. He also heads the Parent Subcommittee which meets once a month to discuss important topics related to the program and as a support group for parents to share information and resources.

Steve Breitman

BOARD MEMBER

Steve Breitman has over three decades of financial management experience as a Chief Financial Officer, Regional Manager, Executive Director and Controller. Previously, Steve managed 6 business sites with 175 employees and $20 million in revenue as well a reported for 25 business sites with $120 million in revenue. Steve gives back to the community by serving nonprofits. Currently he is a Board Member and Volunteer CFO for Free 2 Be Me Dance. In the past Steve has been a Volunteer CFO for the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce, a Board Member for the Denver Better Business Bureau and a Volunteer consultant for the Small Business Development Center. An avid backpacker and hiker in his free time, Steve’s favorite excursions include a 30-day trip in Alaska and completing the tough 4 Pass Loop around the Maroon Bells in Colorado. Steve also is a certified meditation teacher.

Julia Anderson

ASSISTANT PROGRAM DIRECTOR  / DANCE INSTRUCTOR

Julia’s journey of giving back began at a young age when she joined Girl Scouts, inspired by her mother’s guidance. Her dedication to service deepened as she earned prestigious awards, including the Silver and Gold Awards, Girl Scouting’s highest honors. As she grew older, Julia extended her commitment to her community through her roles as a titleholder in the Miss Teen Texas & Miss Texas America Organizations.
Dancing since the age of 2.5, it has always been one of Julia’s greatest passions. She graced stages nationwide, performing and choreographing for esteemed organizations like Six Flags Over Texas and The Miss America Organization. After attending the University of Texas at Arlington, Julia moved to Los Angeles in 2009 to pursue a career in entertainment. Though she took a break from dancing during this time, she knew it would always remain a vital part of her life.


When Julia discovered Free 2 Be Me Dance in Spring of 2024, she immediately began volunteering and felt an instant connection. During her first class, she realized this was more than just a place to dance—it was her new home and calling. Now, as Assistant Director, Julia channels her passion into helping every dancer shine, ensuring they can explore their love for dance, regardless of their abilities. Her lifelong commitment to service and her love for dance intertwine in her mission to make a lasting impact.