WHAT IS BURAANBUR?
Buraanbur is a traditional Somali art form created by women - a fusion of spoken poetry and expressive
movement. It is where rhythm meets language, and language meets the body. More than performance, it is an art form that has allowed Somali women, for generations to share stories of joy, sorrow, resistance, love and celebration.
At the heart of Buraanbur is the goob — a large circle formed by women. Dressed in flowing, brightly coloured Somali style dresses made from some of the finest fabrics in the world, they stand tall and radiant. Their hands are adorned with henna wrists layered in gold bangles. The poet sits within this circle, grounded and poised, her voice rising in melodic rhythm as the drumbeats pulse beside her. When the time comes, a woman brings herself to the center and begins what is known as the boodhid — a rhythmic, expressive form of jumping, done with skill, using both her feet and the sway of her upper body. It’s not just movement; it’s embodiment. Her body responds to the poetry and drums, becoming an extension of the emotion that was recited.
As she moves, the room erupts — clapping, chanting, lifting her higher. She draws energy from their energy, a powerful exchange that embodies the fullness of womanhood.
Buraanbur is not just an art form — it’s a declaration. In a world that boxes women, limits them, and tells them how to be, Buraanbur reminds us that we are meant to take up space — boldly, freely, in whatever form our truth takes.
It shows that expression is not one thing: it can be the elegance of words, the force of movement, or the quiet strength of support. One woman standing in her light doesn’t cast shadows — she sets others aglow. Freedom, here, is contagious.
The goob — also known as the circle — is more than a setting. It mirrors life. One day, it’s your turn to step in and be seen; another day, you witness and uplift someone else. When your moment comes, you show up in full ownership of your voice, your femininity, your power. And when it’s hers, you raise your hands, your voice, your joy — because her rise reflects yours.
Truly, there is no art form more empowering — for women, by women.
MEET THE FOUNDER
I fell in love with Buraanbur over 15 years ago — not just the movement, but the world it opens up. What began as dancing in my mothers' house quickly became a lifelong passion.
It was this passion that led me to create Buraanbur Sahlan - loosely translated as buraanbur made easy. After years of being encouraged to teach, I finally took a leap of faith. My mission is simple: to make this beautiful, empowering tradition accessible, joyful, and transformative for as many women as possible - and to teach women to show up unapologetically with ease. I hope this space — this work — grows into a movement, a reminder to every woman that this bold way of showing up doesn’t have to end in the studios we train in. The confidence, freedom, and sisterhood we build here should echo far beyond the 4 walls of my studio — into our lives, our choices, and the way we show up in the world.