What is (F)rom (T)he (S)oil Movement?

(F)rom (T)he (S)oil Movement is a healing arts education center committed to empowering dancers through the profound exploration of ancestral movement practices. We offer transformative workshops, intensive training programs, a certification program, and individual healing sessions for those seeking alternative, non-invasive methods to heal the body.

is a movement navigation method that seamlessly blends elements of dance, martial arts, sound frequency, mathematics, and beyond!

Our Mission

is to preserve ancestral movement practices by offering a space where movement artists can explore movement as a healing modality for personal and collective transformation.

Our Technique

Our Curriculum

  • Ancestral Dance Movement

    Study the world of movement medicine with fundamental movement training and anatomy studies!

  • Martial Arts

    Learn the fundamentals of self-defense techniques and discipline!

  • Music History & Sound Healing

    Explore the world of sonic frequency and its influence and healing effects on the body!

  • Imagination Activation

    Reactivate the power of your imagination with exercises geared towards creative expansion and remembrance!

  • Sacred Geometry

    Study the meaning and connection between geometric shapes within the movement space!

Meet Our Founder

Najla Gilliam is a multidimensional movement navigator, director, and visionary dedicated to preserving ancestral movement practices. With over 20 years of combined experience in both dance and martial arts, Gilliam has devoted her life to exploring the profound healing power of movement. After years in the industry, she felt called to reconnect with the roots of movement, tapping into ancient traditions that have been forgotten or erased. This journey led her to create FTS Movement—a space designed to help movement artists reclaim ancestral practices that promote healing and transformation.

Her journey began at the age of 3 when she started dance classes. At 5, she expanded her training to martial arts at Gilliam's TKD Academy under the guidance of her father, Michael Gilliam. She quickly excelled, competing in the Taekwondo Junior Olympics in 2002 and 2003, earning a 3rd-degree black belt along the way.

After years of training in both dance and martial arts, Gilliam further honed her skills by studying at the University of the Arts. She later signed with Bloc Talent Agency in New York City, embarking on a successful professional dance career.                

Gilliam's list of credits showcases her versatility and talent. She has performed with renowned artists such as Rihanna, RZA, One Republic, Busta Rhymes, Jidenna, Wiz Kid, and Major Lazer. Her work also includes appearances with Lion Babe, Adam Lambert, and Savage Fenty. In addition to her performance credits, she has worked with high-profile brands like Desigual, Anthropologie, Adidas, Nike, Fila, Puma, and Samsung. Her dance skills have also been featured in films like The Greatest Showman and Isn’t It Romantic.
After almost a decade in the dance industry, Gilliam felt a deeper calling to step away from the industry, seeking a more expansive mission that aligned with her soul's purpose. This shift led to the creation of FTS Movement—a platform that connects movement artists with the wisdom of ancestral practices, fostering healing, growth, and a deeper understanding of movement as medicine.