We had the good fortune of connecting with Ali Woerner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ali, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
My dad wrote me a letter when I was in my undergraduate studies at Oklahoma City University. I had been having some doubts about pursuing a career in dance. He told me, it isn’t the bump in the road itself that is important. It is what you do about the bump that will stick with you. Are you going to lie in a ditch, lose control of your direction? Are you going to get back on the road, learn from the bump and move forward? That piece of advise has stuck with me throughout my career and my life. It can be applied to any situation; work, relationships, no matter your age. We tend to latch on to the action itself; the event. I didn’t get a grant or a certain job, I had a disagreement with someone or I wasn’t selected for a role. Whatever the event is, can take the front seat. But that isn’t where the lesson nor the learning is going to stem from. If we hold on to that so called event, there is no growth, no learning, and no progression. However, if I focus on how to handle “the bump” and what to do next, that’s where the good stuff is. I can then find success in whatever is coming on down the road.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am the Founder and Artistic Director of the non-profit professional dance company, Take Root. I am also Associate Professor of Dance at Oakland University where Take Root is company-in-residence. I am so fortunate that I work with the Take Root company members; some of the most beautiful humans, inside and out, creating dances and stories for performances nationally and internationally. The company traveled to Berlin, Germany August 2023 where we taught master classes, performed, created a new dance for Take Root and the professional Berlin company, Tanz Tangente, to perform together. Although I am incredibly proud of the performance work of Take Root, I am equally proud of our outreach programs; Dance for Parkinson’s Disease and Arts Education Impact. Our mission is to Impact Lives Through Dance every day and in every way. We offer classes for those living with Parkinson’s Disease and their spouse/caregiver in five different locations throughout Metro Detroit. The classes offer a place of joy and community filled with music and movement. The participants gain confidence, socialization and also strength through specialized movement phrases specifically for balance, gate, retention and brain body connections. Take Root’s Arts Education Impact program works with children ages K-5 in underserved areas, offering non-codified movement games and creations, encouraging the children to discover their own voices and the power of their own bodies in movement. It has been inspiring to watch the children gain confidence, but also to see the ripple impact on them and their families and community. Take Root and the work we do is all about Impact. How do we use dance to impact others and how can they continue that impact in their own ways? This is what drives us and separates us from other dance companies. None of this is easy. It shouldn’t necessarily be easy. It should be rewarding and purposeful. That’s what this kind of work offers. At the end of the day, when we have had a new person in our PD class, a kid who is non-verbal create a super cool movement phrase or a concert in a new venue, we can acknowledge the work is important and we are making it happen.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Detroit has always been my home. Even when I moved away, went on tour, Detroit has always been my home. Detroit has so much to offer, and in my opinion, is filled with the nicest most genuine people. In the last couple of years, so many new restaurants, bars and art filled experiences have come to our city. Coming to Detroit, especially for someone that has never been, new and historic sites are imperative. The DIA (Detroit Institute of Arts) has one of the best art collections in the country. They also offer live performances on any given day. Just down the street off Cass is Third Man Records, Jack White’s recording studio. If it is in season, a Tigers baseball game or Lions football game could be happening. Lions and Tigers fans are some of the most dedicated and loyal, providing a true sports experience. There are so many choices when it comes to dining in Detroit. My staples and places that never disappoint include midtown favorite Selden Standard, The Peterboro and Detroit Shipping Company, especially on summer nights for their outdoor seating. Keep heading south and hit up Grey Ghost Detroit for good drinks and Cliff Bell’s for live jazz music. Heading to west side visit Two James Spirits a local distillery and Takoi for Thai food mixed with a trendy ambiance. If it is the summer, there are always events happening throughout Detroit; concerts at Little Ceasar’s Arena, or smaller venues like the Fillmore. Needless to say, there is never a dull moment in Detroit!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am extremely fortunate that I have a village full of beautiful humans who are not only supportive but they each have their own story, their own connection to Take Root. The Take Root company members are not only athletically beautiful movers, but they are all incredible people. They don’t just show up, they SHOW UP and are all in 100% no matter how big or small the concert or event may be. I can say the same for our outreach community. Many of those living with Parkinson’s Disease who come weekly to our classes, have been moving with us for almost a decade. They are invested in the classes but also in the community the class offers. They are the ones who have built our programs, offering a safe and supportive space for others living with PD. Surrounding myself with these communities, is a continuous flow of encouragement and love.

Website: www.takerootdance.com

Instagram: Take Root Dance

Facebook: Take Root

Other: Vimeo: Take Root Dance

Image Credits
Minty Photography

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