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 holistic and 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 martial arts, dance, 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 whose mission is to provide ancestral knowledge through movement medicine. 
Gilliam's journey into movement began at the tender age of 3 when she took her first dance class. Recognizing her burgeoning talent, her parents expanded her horizons by introducing her to martial arts at 5, enrolling her in Gilliam’s TKD Academy under the guidance of her father, Michael Gilliam. Under his mentorship, she quickly advanced in Taekwondo, achieving notable success by qualifying and competing in the Taekwondo Junior Olympics in both 2002 and 2003. Her dedication and skill earned her a 3rd degree black belt, marking a significant milestone in her martial arts career.

With over 13 years of rigorous training in both dance and martial arts, Gilliam sought to deepen her dance expertise by attending the University of the Arts. Her commitment and talent soon caught the attention of the industry, leading her to sign with Bloc Talent Agency in New York City. This pivotal moment launched her into 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.

Passion Projects:

In 2015, Gilliam began producing her own movement short films, delving into the subconscious and ancestral visions she receives. Her creative journey led to her debut solo exhibition, JAN GOLD, in New York City in 2019. Since then, Gilliam has dedicated herself to hosting events and creating spaces that allow artists to explore and develop their own unique movement expressions.