{"url":"/west-la/free-2-be-me-dance","provider":{"id":"free-2-be-me-dance","name":"Free 2 Be Me Dance","kind":"organization","about":"Free 2 Be Me Dance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that offers inclusive, adaptive dance classes in Los Angeles. It began in 2009 as a single ballet class for children with Down syndrome, started by founder and executive director Colleen Perry, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and former ballet dancer. Classes are taught by instructors with help from trained volunteers. Classes currently meet at West LA Academy of Dance, 12422 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles 90025, not at the Santa Monica address in older resource lists.","website":"https://www.free2bemedance.org","phone":"(817) 729-1181","email":"info@free2bemedance.org","instagram":null,"founded":2009,"credentials":["501(c)(3) nonprofit","Accepts regional center and Self-Determination Program payment with select partnered regional centers"],"languages":["Spanish"],"image":null},"location":{"id":"main","name":null,"street":"12422 Santa Monica Blvd","unit":null,"city":"west-la","zip":"90025","neighborhood":null,"coords":[-118.467629,34.038604],"precision":"exact"},"serviceArea":[],"programs":[{"id":"adaptive-dance","type":"afterschool","name":"Adaptive dance classes","summary":"Inclusive adaptive ballet, hip hop and strength & mobility classes for dancers with Down syndrome and other disabilities, ages 7 and up, in West LA.","description":"Adaptive dance classes for dancers with intellectual and physical disabilities, Down syndrome, dual diagnoses and sensory needs. Classes include ballet, hip hop, and strength & mobility, with tap and ballroom offered in some seasons. Dancers are ages 7 and up (current dancers range from 8 to 40), and no dance experience is needed. Each class has 8-12 dancers with one main instructor and volunteer support staff. Every class opens with a group circle and BrainDance warm-up, and each season includes a performance. Fall 2026 runs Sept 13 to Dec 6 on Sundays at West LA Academy of Dance, and registration is open. Tuition is per 16-week semester ($432 for a 55-minute ballet or hip hop class, $160 for strength & mobility or technique). Need-based scholarships are offered, and regional center and SDP payment is accepted. The program coordinator speaks Spanish.","categories":["special-needs","dance"],"ages":{"min":7,"max":21},"format":"in-person","price":{"amount":432,"unit":"term","note":"Spring 2026 rate for a 16-week semester of a 55-minute ballet or hip hop class; strength & mobility and technique $160. Costumes extra, $50-$200."},"financialAid":true,"registration":{"url":"https://www.free2bemedance.org/classes---upcoming-sessions-docx","status":"open"},"afterschool":{"meetings":[{"location":"main","days":["sun"],"start":"10:45","end":"13:30"}]},"traits":{"specialNeeds":"focused","conditions":["down-syndrome","intellectual-disability","cerebral-palsy","sensory-processing"],"insurance":["regional-center"],"languages":["spanish"],"groupSize":["class"],"goals":["fitness","confidence","social","fun","performance","wellbeing","life-skills"],"showcase":true,"acceptingNew":true,"feel":"Adaptive classes that begin with a group circle and BrainDance warm-up, with volunteers supporting each class and a performance each season.","topics":["adaptive-dance","ballet","hip-hop","braindance","self-determination-program","scholarships","west-la","nonprofit","volunteers"],"access":["aides"],"staff":["professionals"]}}],"source":{"url":"https://www.free2bemedance.org","fetched":"2026-10-12"},"updated":"2026-10-12","checked":null,"closed":null,"sample":false}