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

(F)rom (T)he (S)oil Movement is an education center for movement artists rooted in ancestral knowledge. We provide workshops, intensives and training experiences to help guide dancers into the world of ancestral healing arts and protection practices.

Our Technique

is a movement navigation method that integrates martial arts, dance, sound frequency, mathematics and more!

Our Mission

is to preserve ancestral movement practices by providing a space for movement artists to approach movement as a healing modality.

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 began her movement studies at the age of 3 years old when she attended her first dance class. 2 years later Najla’s parents decided to expand her movement vocabulary by placing her into martial arts at Gilliams TKD Academy. Only a few years into her martial arts training and teachings under her father Michael Gilliam, she qualified, competed and placed in the 2002 and 2003 Taekwondo Junior Olympics. From that moment on Najla continued her martial arts journey and received her 3rd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. After 13+ years of both martial arts and dance training Gilliam decided to further her dance studies at the University of the Arts. Following 1 year at the University, Gilliam signed to Bloc Talent Agency in NYC and began her professional dance career.

Gilliam’s credits include: Rihanna, RZA, One Republic, Busta Rhymes, Jidenna, Wiz Kid, Major Lazor, Lion Babe, Adam Lambert, Ivy Lab, Savage Fenty, Desigual, Anthropologie, Adidas, Nike, Fila, Puma, Samsung, The Greatest Showman, Isn’t It Romantic and more!

Passion Projects:

In 2015, Gilliam began creating her own movement short films. These films would dissect realms of the subconscious and ancestral downloads that be presented to her in visions. In 2019, Gilliam debuted her first solo exhibition in New York City called JAN GOLD. Since then, Najla continues to host events and spaces where artists can express, investigate and expand their own movement journey.