Testimonials — (F)rom (T)he (S)oil Movement

“This intensive came to me at the perfect time. It included so much of what I wanted to explore: rhythms in music and connections throughout the ages; martial arts, freestyle, choreography and more. But one of the main things I left with was a shift in how I think about and approach movement. I left feeling so grounded, more secure in myself and ready to tackle the obstacles that comes with being an artist in this industry and in life in general.  Najla is a beautiful and powerful facilitator, teacher, and artist. I’m so happy she was moved to start FTS because again, the shift in mindset really really helped me. There might be some resistance because of the spaces dancers are used too, but that’s exactly why you should be there: to experience movement in a space that is rooted in love and exploration and not expectation. And in that there’s so much freedom and I’m so grateful for such a safe space.  Regina, Pierce, Bobby and Hurrikane were also great facilitators, and it was so amazing to witness their mastery in person. They have so much to offer and I’m glad my heart and mind were open to receive it. And that’s my last point: if you have an open heart and mind, you will get exactly what you need from this intensive.  I am forever changed in a very positive way by this experience. Thank you FTS. Thank you Najla. Thank you thank you thank you."

Shaneekqua | FTS Intensive NYC

“Firstly, I’d like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to the FTS faculty, Najla, Bobby, and Pierce. You all brought something out of me each day during the Intensive and made me realize what I am capable of. For the first time in a long time, I have truly felt the freedom to move and explore movement that is sacred to myself. There have been times where I felt discouraged and even completely stopped dancing because I didn’t feel that I was good enough to make it in the dance world. During this weeklong Intensive I did a lot of self-reflecting and sharing with the other beautiful movers in the community; I realized what I want is to share my movement and to pass down the knowledge that was shared with me to my generation and the next generation to come. It’s time we got back into our roots and honored the SOIL we come from. I am beyond grateful for the beautiful community we’ve built, and I am excited to continue this journey of reprogramming and take everything I’ve learned and experienced with FTS and apply it not only to dance, but to life as well! Peace and blessings and thank you forever FTS.”

Christina | FTS Intensive NYC

“I started dancing around 14 and because of this I’ve always been open to a training or class since I’m insecure about my training. However, dance became hard for me to connect with on a genuine level (outside of at a party) the older I became so I took a break. Though I do believe it is important to never stop being a student, I think with age I started to realize how Eurocentric and disconnected from the soul (and soil) a lot of my training was. “After going to a couple of En Transit events and seeing the work of Najla Gilliam over the last couple of years I knew I needed to be at the FTS Intensive, and I am so grateful and glad I did. The curriculum was designed for us as students to learn concepts behind rhythm, geometric sequencing, improvising, martial arts, embodying movement, and more; through open conversations and well planned movement, writing, meditative, and visual art exercises. In addition, the teachers were knowledgeable and impactful, and they took the time to really build community and learn about each of us to help us find how we can most authentically express ourselves. Najla Gilliam and Bobby D Morgan made it clear to us everyday that this is not a performance (allowing us to take off our masks) and that this should feel as if it is “From The Soil” allowing us to focus on intrinsic connection, divinity, and those that came before us and how movement can and should honor that. I’m forever grateful for the FTS Movement Intensive and would recommend this program to any dancer who wants to deepen their love for movement as an art form and medium for connection. Thank you FTS”

Sara | FTS Intensive NYC

Hear What People Are Saying

“Our ancestors left the blueprint in the soil, where our roots reside.”