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Special needs program · West LA

Free 2 Be Me Dance

Inclusive adaptive ballet, hip hop and strength & mobility classes for dancers with Down syndrome and other disabilities, ages 7 and up, in West LA.

Ages
Ages 7+
Price
$432/term
Meets
Sun, 10:45am–1:30pm
Where
12422 Santa Monica Blvd, West LA
Sign-up
Registration open
Sign up on their sitefree2bemedance.org

Adaptive dance classes

Ages 7+ · $432/term

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.

  • Sundays, 10:45am–1:30pm
  • 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.
  • Financial aid or scholarships available

Registration open · Sign up

About Free 2 Be Me Dance

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.

  • Since 2009
  • 501(c)(3) nonprofit
  • Accepts regional center and Self-Determination Program payment with select partnered regional centers

Where and how to reach them

12422 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025

Details from free2bemedance.org, checked October 12, 2026. Prices, dates and spaces change: check with Free 2 Be Me Dance before you sign up. Something wrong or missing? Write to hello@summerground.com.

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