The Somali Museum Dance Troupe

The Somali Museum Dance Troupe studies and perform traditional dances from different regions across Somalia. Comprised of teens and young adults from the greater Twin Cities area, the troupe has performed for countless corporate, private and public events,  taking place all across Minnesota  and nation wide.
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The Somali Museum Dance Troupe is made up of high school and college students from the Minneapolis metro who are passionate about sharing their Somali culture.  These youth attend schools in Minneapolis and St. Paul, and most of them have only been in the US for a few years.

Join us!
Book a Performance:
call 612-234-1625 or
         email amal.mohamed@somalimuseum.org
        
Attend Free Lessons:
         Every Saturday, 4:00-5:00 pm
         Tapestry Folkdance Center
         3748 Minnehaha Avenue
         Minneapolis, MN 55406

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Credits:

Dance Instructors:
Abdi Yusuf 2015
Ahmed Dufan 2016
Khadra Egehi 2016
Nuurto Arlaadi 2017

Manager:
Mohamoud Osman Mohamed

Dance Troupe Rehearsal Manager:
Amal Rogers

Custom design:
Libaax at Mall Karmel Square 
Fab Faith Fashions
Aweys at Mall 24

Prop design:
Hussein Hayd

Somali Dances that the Somali Museum Dance Troupe has learned
Saylici
Originated from the town of Zeila in northern Somalia. It began as an Islamic chant  and slowly developed into a dance. The lyrics still used remain as they were for hundreds of years, which are mostly Islamic-oriented. It has strong connection to Samaroon (Gidabursi) clan more than anyone.

Jaandheer
Meaning big leap or step, It originates in Northern Somalia and played in most Somali weddings and festive occasions.

Dhaanto 
It originates from the Somali region of Ethiopia. This dance is the most popular Somali dance that is played nearly in every Somali festive celebrations. The dhaanto was inspired by the camel and mimics the actions of the camel. The dance-song was revived during the Dervish period in the early 20th century, when it was used to raise the 'spirts' of soldiers and was often sung on horseback. It has strong connections to the Ogaden clan.

Hare Made 
This dance is danced in Djibouti, Northern Somalia and the Somali region of Ethiopia, but it is danced and played by all Somalis. The dance is also known as the warrior dance.

Gobilay
It originates from Southern Somalia and mainly by the Marehan clan of the Daarood. It is also popular amongst other Somalis and played in Somali festive occasions.

Sharax
It originates from Southern Somalia in particularly the capital city Mogadishu. This dance is similar to a Yemeni dance and possibly came to Somalia through Yemeni-Somali interactions. 

Walasako
One of the  folk dances performed  by pastoralists  during festivals, in good times of rain, and in the hopes of seeing plenty full argriculture and livestock.  it is also danced at weddings and other happy occasions.