OUR STORY
Our Committee and Association
Free Spirit is a not-for-profit assocation, incorporated on 29th of January 2010 as the Free Spirit Dance Community Inc.
The objects of the Association are
• To provide a safe, supportive, nurturing, non-competitive environment for our members.
• To network and collaborate with other dance artists and groups.
• To enhance further learning and education of members of the Free Spirit Dance and Wellness Inc.
• To help others.
Meet our 2023 Committee!
Chairperson - Kerry Mace
Kerry was a founding member of Free Spirit in 2008 and has served on the Committee as Treasurer and then as Chairperson. Kerry is an active dancer and performer and works in health advocacy, having lived experience of inflammatory arthritis.
Secretary - Elisabeth Purser
Elisabeth is an active performer in the WA dance community and from her beginnings in Kunnunurra with the Monsoon Nights Dancers, to the Mystique Dance Company and Sayyida troupes, Elisabeth loves to travel to Egypt and Turkey and further her knowledge and skills.
Leanne Shannon
Hi my name is Leanne, more commonly known as Lea Lea, I have been dancing since June 2004 when my sister talked me into taking classes. I have been a part of the Free Spirit Dance Community from the beginning, from before the community became a not-for-profit organization in 2010, and I have been on the committee from the beginning in various positions.
Andrea Orlowsky
Hi – I’m Andrea (or ‘Andriya’ when on stage – same pronunciation, funkier spelling). I’ve been dancing and performing Middle Eastern Dance in various forms since 2003. Handy with the sewing machine and the ol’ needle and thread, I enjoy the challenge of restoring, repurposing or adapting old costumes, and designing and creating my own costumes. 2022 was my first year on the FSDAW committee; I’m looking to give back to the community that has given so much to me over the last 20 years.
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Treasurer - Princess Fee
Princess Fee serves the community as Treasurer, WAMED representative, Egyptian and Zyama teacher and webmistress.
Princess Fee loves to organise the community performances where our troupes showcase the art of Middle Eastern Dance to the public.
VIce Chairperson - Melinda Ware
Melinda is otherwise known by her dance name, Saphira, which means 'blue-eyed dragon'. I have been on the Free Spirit Committee for a couple of years as Arabian Nights representative, General Committee Member, Secretary and Vice Chair. I am honoured to be included in the small but hard working group of exceptional women who make up the FSDC.
Liz Grzyb
Hi, I’m Liz. I’m one of the newest members of the Free Spirit Committee. I started belly dancing about 20 years ago when I happened to see a flyer for the Wheatbelt group Oriental Fantasy and was addicted within seconds of starting the first class.
When I returned to Perth, I found a new dance home with Bellydance Central, was part of Shaheena and Nikki's Mystique Dance Company and more recently helped to build the collaborative troupe Iridescence Bellydance.
What does the Committee do?
A quick note about our Committee. The Free Spirit Committee is comprised of a passionate group of volunteers. We collect the number of hours that the Committee puts in (we need this when applying for grants) and during 2022, your committee worked literally hundreds of hours. They put in a huge amount of work, have regular meetings, apply for performance opportunities and organise those, including all the admin, make relationships with community organisations, look for new studio spaces, liaise with the teachers, monitor the budget, organise the events, manage the website, manage the social media platforms, send newsletters, wash tablecloths and all the unsexy behind-the-scenes work that it takes to deliver the work of Free Spirit.
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Committee Positions: Essential Positions
Chairperson : The Chairperson is responsible for the overall vision and direction of the Community. They chair the monthly meetings and delegate responsibilities to the other Committee Members. The Chair keeps their finger on the pulse of the dance community and is the public face of Free Spirit.
Vice-Chairperson: The Vice-Chairperson supports the Chairperson and represents the chairperson when required. The ultimate back-up chick.
Secretary: The Secretary creates and circulates Agendas for meetings, takes and circulates minutes, organises the details and lists action items.
Treasurer: The Treasurer works closely with the Vice Treasurer and keeps accurate records of all the Community's transactions through Wild Apricot, Paypal and Cash. They also keep the committee informed about our financial position and produces the reports for Committee Meetings and the AGM.
Available portfolios: For those wishing to exercise their skills on our behalf
Events Coordinator: Plans, organises and runs the events throughout the year. Venue bookings, licence applications, performer applications for the running list, stallholder bookings etc.
Festivals, Fetes and Fairs: This position actively seeks performance opportunities and community events for Free Spirit to be involved with.
Social Media Manager: Manages and updates the Free Spirit Instagram, Facebook page and group, creating interest, spreading information and engaging with the Community.
WebMaster/Mistress: Posts and removes information on our website and ensures the content is up to date.
Registrar (Membership Officer): Maintain the register of all Free Spirit members and administer memberships.
Graphic Designer: This position creates flyers, handouts, event images and keeps the studio display updated.
Grants Officer: This position finds and applies for Grants to improve the facilities of our studio and events.
Strategic Partnerships Officer: This officer looks at the enlargement of the Community and creates and maintains strategic partnerships with relevant organisations.
WAMED Representative: Acts on behalf of Free Spirit for delivery of the WAMED festival.
General Committee Members: Attend monthly meetings and assist as required.