Movement is Power: What Buraanbur Taught Me About Freedom

I've come to realize that freedom of movement is where all success begins for women. Not just the physical ability to dance, to walk freely, to occupy space without apology, but the mental and emotional freedom to pivot, to shift, to change direction in life as we see fit. When we can move freely, we can change careers when one path no longer serves us. We can choose motherhood or choose not to, both decisions equally valid, equally ours. We can leave spaces that diminish us and enter ones that celebrate us. We can shift perspectives when old ones no longer fit who we're becoming.

The woman who cannot move, physically or mentally or emotionally, is trapped. But the woman who understands she has permission to pivot? She is unstoppable. This is what I see in my dance studio, what I witness every time someone learns buraanbur for the first time. At first, there's hesitation. Self-consciousness. The internalized belief that they shouldn't take up space, shouldn't move too boldly, shouldn't be too much, but something always shifts in the middle of our 3 hour long monthly sessions.

The durbaan pulls her in. The community of phenomenal women surround the lady of the hour. And slowly, she begins to move. Hips sway. Arms rise. Feet find the rhythm. And in that moment, she remembers something ancient and true: she was always meant to move freely.

So many young women I have taught in the past contacted me months later telling me that they've had a realisation on the dance floor which translated to life. When you practice freedom of movement in your body, you begin to claim it in your mind, in your choices, in your future.

This is my invitation to you to move. Dance. Pivot. Change your mind. Change your path. Take up space, physically, mentally, emotionally, professionally. Your freedom of movement is not a luxury. It's not selfish. It's not too much. It is your birthright. And it is the foundation upon which every other freedom, every success, every dream you dare to dream will be built. Because a woman who knows she can move freely can do anything.

This is what buraanbur has taught me and so many of the wonderful women I have had the joy of teaching. In movement, we find ourselves. In freedom, we find our power! Keep moving, pivoting and making your life your own!