The Somali Museum Dance TroupeThe 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.
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
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
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. |