“From the get-go, I've worked on not just learning steps but how emotion, character, and intention are part of how we move. I consider the questions of ‘who is this person onstage?’ and ‘why are they doing this?’. This questioning separates my work from other choreographers. I put a lot of pressure on myself to answer those questions.”
- Keira Hart Mendoza, Artistic Director
Mission
UpRooted Dance is a 501(c)3 non-profit based in the D.C. Metro area. UpRooted Dance creates intersections between dance and other art forms. Artistic Director, Keira Hart-Mendoza collaborates with interdisciplinary creatives to craft vibrant works. UpRooted Dance uses movement, sound, images, and text to immerse viewers through thought-provoking storytelling. This versatile company produces pathways from audiences to explore dance on stage and in unexpected locations.
Values
COLLABORATION
UpRooted Dance forges a community of movers, makers and watchers around broadly engaging creations with multiple points of view. Leveraging the skills of a close-knit but diverse group of collaborators - from fashion designers, sculptors, printmakers, taiko drummers, computer programmers and more - UpRooted provides divergent pathways for all participants to access the work. See our collaborators page to see who we’ve worked with!
EXPERIENTIAL
UpRooted Dance creates a collective experience for diverse audiences to enjoy dance in an immersive environment. While tackling tough issues - such as climate change, gender inequality and more - in a fun and engaging way, UpRooted places an emphasis on creating microcosmic worlds on stage to tell compelling, meaningful stories about the world we live in today.
ART WITHIN THE ART
Each creation by UpRooted Dance is informed by a multitude of sources and inspirations ranging from visual art, literature, conservation sciences and more. Artistic Director Keira Hart-Mendoza (MFA) uses her art education and dance history background to connect disparate genres, art forms and points of view into a rich tapestry of movement and meaning.
COMMUNITY
UpRooted Dance reaches beyond the stage by working in the D.C. Metro area to connect with movers and makers from all walks of life. By generating opportunities for local dancers and engaging the community through its open dance and fitness classes, UpRooted creates strong bonds between patrons and artists to strengthen the communities we live in. Check out our schedule for the next opportunity to join us in the studio!
FEMALE-DRIVEN
UpRooted is committed to providing a platform for female-identifying creators and communities by boosting each individual’s unique voice.
UpRooted Dance forges a community of movers, makers and watchers around broadly engaging creations with multiple points of view. Leveraging the skills of a close-knit but diverse group of collaborators - from fashion designers, sculptors, printmakers, taiko drummers, computer programmers and more - UpRooted provides divergent pathways for all participants to access the work. See our collaborators page to see who we’ve worked with!
EXPERIENTIAL
UpRooted Dance creates a collective experience for diverse audiences to enjoy dance in an immersive environment. While tackling tough issues - such as climate change, gender inequality and more - in a fun and engaging way, UpRooted places an emphasis on creating microcosmic worlds on stage to tell compelling, meaningful stories about the world we live in today.
ART WITHIN THE ART
Each creation by UpRooted Dance is informed by a multitude of sources and inspirations ranging from visual art, literature, conservation sciences and more. Artistic Director Keira Hart-Mendoza (MFA) uses her art education and dance history background to connect disparate genres, art forms and points of view into a rich tapestry of movement and meaning.
COMMUNITY
UpRooted Dance reaches beyond the stage by working in the D.C. Metro area to connect with movers and makers from all walks of life. By generating opportunities for local dancers and engaging the community through its open dance and fitness classes, UpRooted creates strong bonds between patrons and artists to strengthen the communities we live in. Check out our schedule for the next opportunity to join us in the studio!
FEMALE-DRIVEN
UpRooted is committed to providing a platform for female-identifying creators and communities by boosting each individual’s unique voice.
Meet the Team
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Keira Hart-Mendoza
ADDITIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
Julianna Raimondo (2021-Present)
Amy Fissmer (Winter 2020) Intern
Rachael Ward (Summer Intern 2018) Intern
BOARD MEMBERS
Sarah Hamang
Aris Hart
Keira-Hart-Mendoza
Lauren Hodas
Emily Romero
COMPANY PHOTOGRAPHY
Noah Taylor
Carlton Wolfe
Anna Piwonkski
Maggie Picard
Luca Dececcio
David Dowling
Jonathan Hsu
Margie Jervis
WEBSITE DESIGN
Alison B. Waldman
Keira Hart-Mendoza
ADDITIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
Julianna Raimondo (2021-Present)
Amy Fissmer (Winter 2020) Intern
Rachael Ward (Summer Intern 2018) Intern
BOARD MEMBERS
Sarah Hamang
Aris Hart
Keira-Hart-Mendoza
Lauren Hodas
Emily Romero
COMPANY PHOTOGRAPHY
Noah Taylor
Carlton Wolfe
Anna Piwonkski
Maggie Picard
Luca Dececcio
David Dowling
Jonathan Hsu
Margie Jervis
WEBSITE DESIGN
Alison B. Waldman
Interested in joining our Board, contributing administrative skills, or dancing and collaborating with UpRooted Dance? Contact us!
