Dance & creative movement
Hip-hop dance and collaborative movement give students a way to express themselves and connect.
Find your rhythm. Find your people.
Rooted is a free creative mentorship program at Fayetteville High School. Hip-hop dance and creative movement bring students together with counselors, dance educators, and mentors to practice life skills and build connection.
The Rooted model
How Rooted works.
Emotional regulation
Counselors help students practice ways to understand emotions, manage stress, and respond with care.
Practical life skills
Guest speakers and group conversations explore communication, goal-setting, and skills students can use day to day.
Mentorship & community
Students build relationships with peers and caring adults through shared creative experiences.
The experience
Expression and school connection.
The program makes room for students’ voices through dance, collaboration, and performance opportunities. Rooted aims to strengthen confidence, supportive relationships, and connection to school.
People behind the program
Movement, care, and connection.
Choreographer · Dance educator · Creative director
CeCe Marie
CeCe Marie is a choreographer, dance educator, and creative director whose work connects dance, education, and community engagement across Northwest Arkansas. A 2026 Artist in Residence at The Momentary, she has taught in K–12 schools for more than 16 years and currently serves as lead teaching artist for Walton Arts Center’s Hip Hop 101 outreach program.
Visit CeCe Marie’s websiteProfessional counselor · Rooted & Elevate
Joi McGowan, M.A., LPC
Joi McGowan is Thrive Collective’s professional counselor for Rooted and Elevate and the founder of Amani Counseling & Co. Her work includes counseling, consultation, coaching, and community engagement centered on mental health and wellness.
Visit Amani Counseling & Co.Rooted voices
In their words.
To me, Rooted is a place where you can express yourself without judgement or exclusion. Rooted is such a warm and welcoming program with such warm, welcoming and amazing people. It allows you to blossom and flourish while feeling supported and guided. Rooted is home to all and the people in it are like your second family. To me, Rooted is also a place to build connections, whether it be friends or teachers. You will never ever feel alone while dancing in Rooted, especially when you have great teachers like Miss Cece, Miss Joy, Miss Hannah, or everyone. They all make you feel welcome in different ways. You will grow to love Rooted!!!
As a teacher at FHS, I have helped many students transition to the large school. The size of the student population can be overwhelming and can be hard to find a place for some students. We want every student to be known, supported, and celebrated. Rooted gives these girls the perfect opportunity for that! The girls form an important community and it makes a big school seem smaller. Through learning hip hop choreography together, they are gaining so many more skills than just learning to dance.
Participation
Taking part in Rooted.
Who it serves
Fayetteville High School students
The program prioritizes incoming freshmen and sophomores.
Cost
Free for students
There is no cost for students to participate in Rooted.
When it meets
During the school day
Students meet weekly during school hours.
Getting started
School-based referrals
Fayetteville High School social workers and counselors refer and select participants.
Interested in Rooted?
Start with your school contact.
For Rooted referrals, speak with a Fayetteville High School social worker or counselor. Email Thrive with other program questions.
Email Thrive Collective