In Rochester, a city known for its rich culture and close-knit community, Take Root stands out not just as a professional dance company but as a vibrant testament to the power of dance to forge connections, inspire change, and celebrate humanity. Under the creative and insightful leadership of Ali Woerner, Take Root, the resident company at Oakland University, embodies a spirit of innovation, community engagement, and artistic excellence that resonates far beyond the dance studio.
Ali Woerner, the driving force behind Take Root, brings to the company not only her vast experience, including a notable six years with The Radio City Rockettes, but also a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of dance. Raised in Rochester, Woerner's journey through the realms of fine arts at Oklahoma City University, a masters program at the University of Michigan and now back to her hometown underscores her commitment to leveraging the arts as a medium for positive community impact.
Since its inception, Take Root has evolved from a collaborative project into a flourishing non-profit organization. Marking its tenth anniversary, the company celebrates a decade of growth, resilience, and profound artistic contribution. At its core, Take Root is characterized by a multifaceted repertoire and a unique approach to dance. The company prides itself on a democratic and inclusive creative process where every dancer's individuality is valued and nurtured. With graduates from NYU, Joffrey Ballet School, Grand Valley, Point Park University, Wayne State University and Oakland University, Take Root is made up of a very diverse group of mature professional dancers. The organization and expertise demonstrated by Vivian Costello, Assistant Director for Take Root, contribute significantly to the shared vision and cohesive direction of the company, reflecting a remarkable level of professionalism. Expect a submersive experience when attending a show as Jon Anderson, the music director and composer for Take Root, Woerner and the company members invite you to experience how dance and music work together.
Central to Take Root's mission is its groundbreaking Dance for Parkinson's Disease program. Initiated by Woerner's response to a personal call to action, the program has grown from a single class into a comprehensive initiative offering hope, joy, and a sense of community to individuals living with Parkinson's and their families. Supported by organizations like The Kirk Gibson Foundation, this program is a vibrant example of Take Root's commitment to making a tangible difference in people's lives through dance.
Further extending its outreach, Take Root's Arts Education Impact sessions bring the joy of movement and creativity to children, empowering them to express themselves and connect with others through dance. These initiatives are a testament to Take Root's belief in dance as a universal language capable of breaking barriers and fostering community bonds.
Reflecting on the company's recent performance, "The Stories We Tell Ourselves," Woerner highlights the importance of narrative in dance. This concert, featuring works that explore personal and collective stories through movement, encapsulates Take Root's innovative spirit and its commitment to creating meaningful artistic experiences.
Looking to the future, Take Root envisions expanding its reach and deepening its impact through more performances, educational outreach, and community engagement initiatives. The company's aspiration to establish a Take Root Center speaks to its ambition to create a dedicated space for dance, education, and community building.
Woerner's call to the Rochester community and beyond is clear: Join Take Root in its mission to transform lives through dance. Whether through donations, volunteer work, or simply by attending a performance, there are myriad ways to support and become part of Take Root's inspiring journey.
As Take Root celebrates a decade of artistic achievement and community impact, it stands as a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration. Through the universal language of dance, Take Root continues to challenge, delight, and connect, proving that in the right hands, dance can indeed take root in the heart of a community and flourish.
"How do we keep building ourselves as a company that is invested in the impact of our community?" -Ali Woerner
“I came into Ali’s class thinking of all the things I couldn’t or wouldn’t be able to do and when I leave the class in the afternoon, I am thinking…this is what I am able to do now!” -Linda G, Dance for Parkinson’s Disease participant.
