Carolina Rahima, Co-Owner, Co-Founder
(Instructor: Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, Cha Cha Cha)
Carolina started dancing Salsa in 2003 and fell in love with it. She grew up with salsa music in Venezuela but was introduced to a more technique oriented and challenging style upon her move the Portland area. She quickly started taking every single group and private course available and started performing in all the different performance classes that were offered. She performed with two different all women's salsa teams, the Portland Salseras and Seduced by Clave. Carolina started teaching with her dance partner Jamal under the company name Ritmo Del Alma in Vancouver, WA. Ready to increase her talent, she moved to New Jersey to train and perform with Caribbean Soul Dance Team. She has performed with the Caribbean Soul Dance Team on some of the biggest salsa stages in the world including the LA Salsa Congress and the NY Congress. She has a great passion for teaching and loves to see each student grow and do things they initially thought impossible.
Jamal Rahima, Co-Owner, Co-Founder
(Instructor: Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, Cha Cha Cha)
Jamal started dancing Salsa in 2002 in Portland OR. He was a natural athlete, growing up playing sports and studying martial arts. Although he had never danced before, his awareness of his own body mechanics gave him an advantage in learning to dance. After his first few lessons he was hooked, and soon after was asked to join the Salsa Con Sabor performance team. Several years later he and his dance partner Carolina started teaching and performing under their own company Ritmo del Alma. Jamal won several local Jack and Jill Salsa and Bachata competitions in Portland. He has also performed a solo at the Vancouver BC Salsa Festival, Seattle Salsa Congress, Rose City Salsa Festival and at Club Cache in NY. Ready to increase his talent, he moved to New Jersey to train and perform with Caribbean Soul Dance Team while acting as assistant director for the team. As a dancer he is known for his body movement which is influenced by Afro-Cuban and Hip Hop. As a teacher he is known for being very patient and being able to explain complicated concepts in a simple way.
Upon returning to Portland Carolina and Jamal decided to follow their dream and open VMAC, making sure to focus on growing an inclusive community in a space that people could call home.
(Instructor: Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, Cha Cha Cha)
Carolina started dancing Salsa in 2003 and fell in love with it. She grew up with salsa music in Venezuela but was introduced to a more technique oriented and challenging style upon her move the Portland area. She quickly started taking every single group and private course available and started performing in all the different performance classes that were offered. She performed with two different all women's salsa teams, the Portland Salseras and Seduced by Clave. Carolina started teaching with her dance partner Jamal under the company name Ritmo Del Alma in Vancouver, WA. Ready to increase her talent, she moved to New Jersey to train and perform with Caribbean Soul Dance Team. She has performed with the Caribbean Soul Dance Team on some of the biggest salsa stages in the world including the LA Salsa Congress and the NY Congress. She has a great passion for teaching and loves to see each student grow and do things they initially thought impossible.
Jamal Rahima, Co-Owner, Co-Founder
(Instructor: Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, Cha Cha Cha)
Jamal started dancing Salsa in 2002 in Portland OR. He was a natural athlete, growing up playing sports and studying martial arts. Although he had never danced before, his awareness of his own body mechanics gave him an advantage in learning to dance. After his first few lessons he was hooked, and soon after was asked to join the Salsa Con Sabor performance team. Several years later he and his dance partner Carolina started teaching and performing under their own company Ritmo del Alma. Jamal won several local Jack and Jill Salsa and Bachata competitions in Portland. He has also performed a solo at the Vancouver BC Salsa Festival, Seattle Salsa Congress, Rose City Salsa Festival and at Club Cache in NY. Ready to increase his talent, he moved to New Jersey to train and perform with Caribbean Soul Dance Team while acting as assistant director for the team. As a dancer he is known for his body movement which is influenced by Afro-Cuban and Hip Hop. As a teacher he is known for being very patient and being able to explain complicated concepts in a simple way.
Upon returning to Portland Carolina and Jamal decided to follow their dream and open VMAC, making sure to focus on growing an inclusive community in a space that people could call home.
Deblin McKnight, Co-Owner
(Instructor: Bachata, Salsa, Zouk)
Deblin McKnight is one of the co-owners at Vitalidad and lives for dance. In addition to teaching Bachata, Zouk & Salsa Deblin is a board member of the Rose City Salsa & Timba Festival, LambaFest and Co-Owner of PDX Bachata. She enjoys teaching, training and hiring other amazing artists to grow the community in Portland.
Deblin found Vitalidad shortly after it opened and immediately fell in love with On2 Salsa, taught by Carolina & Jamal. She quickly joined the teams at VMAC and continued to strive on and off the stage. In 2018 she began teaching Salsa & Bachata at Vitalidad.
Deblin has also fallen in love with Zouk and teaches & trains in Modern Zouk. She founded Zouk PDX Productions with a famous Zouk dancer, of which brings major Zouk artists from around the world to Portland as well as LambaFest, the first Lambada focused Zouk Festival in the US.
(Instructor: Bachata, Salsa, Zouk)
Deblin McKnight is one of the co-owners at Vitalidad and lives for dance. In addition to teaching Bachata, Zouk & Salsa Deblin is a board member of the Rose City Salsa & Timba Festival, LambaFest and Co-Owner of PDX Bachata. She enjoys teaching, training and hiring other amazing artists to grow the community in Portland.
Deblin found Vitalidad shortly after it opened and immediately fell in love with On2 Salsa, taught by Carolina & Jamal. She quickly joined the teams at VMAC and continued to strive on and off the stage. In 2018 she began teaching Salsa & Bachata at Vitalidad.
Deblin has also fallen in love with Zouk and teaches & trains in Modern Zouk. She founded Zouk PDX Productions with a famous Zouk dancer, of which brings major Zouk artists from around the world to Portland as well as LambaFest, the first Lambada focused Zouk Festival in the US.
Bruce Smith
(Instructor: Zumba fitness and African dance)
Bruce’s love for music and dance is an extension of his family environment growing up. He is a former member of the Nationally known R&B recording group “Pleasure”. He was the Founder, Artistic Director and Choreographer of the International Touring Dance Company, NW African American Ballet. Bruce was on the curriculum writing team for the Vancouver School of Arts and Academics. He created the African dance curriculum for Jefferson High School Performing Arts department and taught that curriculum at Jefferson for 15 years. While at Jefferson, he choreographed four African dances for the Jefferson Dancers. Bruce has been teaching Zumba since 2012.
Certification: Zumba Basic 1, Basic 2, Glutes Training, Zin Member
Website: brucesmith.zumba.com
FaceBook: "Zumba Bruce"
(Instructor: Zumba fitness and African dance)
Bruce’s love for music and dance is an extension of his family environment growing up. He is a former member of the Nationally known R&B recording group “Pleasure”. He was the Founder, Artistic Director and Choreographer of the International Touring Dance Company, NW African American Ballet. Bruce was on the curriculum writing team for the Vancouver School of Arts and Academics. He created the African dance curriculum for Jefferson High School Performing Arts department and taught that curriculum at Jefferson for 15 years. While at Jefferson, he choreographed four African dances for the Jefferson Dancers. Bruce has been teaching Zumba since 2012.
Certification: Zumba Basic 1, Basic 2, Glutes Training, Zin Member
Website: brucesmith.zumba.com
FaceBook: "Zumba Bruce"
Paula Metzler
They/Them pronouns
(Instructor: High Heels)
Paula Metzler has been a dancer for 13 years and has trained in various styles. They have been a part of multiple dance companies around Beaverton and Portland, OR and is/always will be a student to get more training (there's always something out there that you haven't discovered yet!). They recently won the Sex Siren category at the Jungle Spaceship Ball and hopes to open the doors of everyone's confidence/sexuality/fierceness through this Heels class in a safe, loving, and supportive space.
They/Them pronouns
(Instructor: High Heels)
Paula Metzler has been a dancer for 13 years and has trained in various styles. They have been a part of multiple dance companies around Beaverton and Portland, OR and is/always will be a student to get more training (there's always something out there that you haven't discovered yet!). They recently won the Sex Siren category at the Jungle Spaceship Ball and hopes to open the doors of everyone's confidence/sexuality/fierceness through this Heels class in a safe, loving, and supportive space.
Rob Hilario
(Instructor: Casino)
Rob started his training in Casino (Cuban-style partner dance) in September 2005 in the Bay Area, Rob is an original member of Salsa Vale Todo in San Francisco, CA; starting in 2007, and parting ways with the group in 2011.
Often described as having "super clean" and "flawless" technique, Rob is thoroughly well-versed in calling and choreographing Ruedas (the group form of Casino), as shown in recent performances youtube.com/watch?v=H_RDJo-HrOA
However, Rob's true strength is his mastery of partnering technique, angles, handwork, and footwork to make social dancing enjoyable for follows as well as leads.
Relocated to Portland in April 2012, Rob is eager to share his knowledge of Casino with the Pacific Northwest. He is thrilled to join a community of dancers he highly respects and has a long-standing friendship with.
Need a more detailed introduction to Casino? Check out Rob's blog post! vmacpdx.com/blog
(Instructor: Casino)
Rob started his training in Casino (Cuban-style partner dance) in September 2005 in the Bay Area, Rob is an original member of Salsa Vale Todo in San Francisco, CA; starting in 2007, and parting ways with the group in 2011.
Often described as having "super clean" and "flawless" technique, Rob is thoroughly well-versed in calling and choreographing Ruedas (the group form of Casino), as shown in recent performances youtube.com/watch?v=H_RDJo-HrOA
However, Rob's true strength is his mastery of partnering technique, angles, handwork, and footwork to make social dancing enjoyable for follows as well as leads.
Relocated to Portland in April 2012, Rob is eager to share his knowledge of Casino with the Pacific Northwest. He is thrilled to join a community of dancers he highly respects and has a long-standing friendship with.
Need a more detailed introduction to Casino? Check out Rob's blog post! vmacpdx.com/blog
Iñaki Villanueva Torres
(Instructor: Bachata)
Iñaki is dancer, singer-song writer and musician. Growing up in Mexico City, music and dancing were always a big part of his life, from dancing Salsa, Cumbia, and Boleros after family party reunions, to being exposed to Guitar Trios, street band performers, and Mariachi bands at his Dad’s Cantina. Music became Iñaki’s passion and started playing several instruments at a young age, guitar being his favorite.
Iñaki went on to play in many music groups and bands, in addition to participating in several theater musicals and plays as the musical Grease. He ended up finding a strong connection and fluency in writing music and song lyrics, performing, and recording albums within different genres that ranged from Latin rock, metal/punk to pop music.
Even though Iñaki started dancing at a young age, he did not get serious about dancing until later on in his life. Being a musician has helped him in creating a strong foundation in dancing. Iñaki has been dancing for 7 years, and during this time he has had the opportunity to perform, compete, choreograph and teach. His dance styles of preference are Salsa and Bachata. He has trained and taken many private lessons from different teams and individuals, such as Salsa Con Coco, Rumba Y Cache Teams, Vitalidad Bachata Team, Alien Ramirez, Cristian Oviedo, Adrian and Anita’s Portland’s Team Project, Gaby Calderon Equiz (Alma Latina), Marc Brewer, Ataca Y La Alemana, Fernando Sosa, John Freddy Narvaez, and Liz Rojas (Salsamania Dance Company).
Iñaki is grateful to all of those who contributed to his development as a dancer (and plans to continue learning), and hopes to help others grow and develop their own dancing.
“Save me a dance!”
- Iñaki
(Instructor: Bachata)
Iñaki is dancer, singer-song writer and musician. Growing up in Mexico City, music and dancing were always a big part of his life, from dancing Salsa, Cumbia, and Boleros after family party reunions, to being exposed to Guitar Trios, street band performers, and Mariachi bands at his Dad’s Cantina. Music became Iñaki’s passion and started playing several instruments at a young age, guitar being his favorite.
Iñaki went on to play in many music groups and bands, in addition to participating in several theater musicals and plays as the musical Grease. He ended up finding a strong connection and fluency in writing music and song lyrics, performing, and recording albums within different genres that ranged from Latin rock, metal/punk to pop music.
Even though Iñaki started dancing at a young age, he did not get serious about dancing until later on in his life. Being a musician has helped him in creating a strong foundation in dancing. Iñaki has been dancing for 7 years, and during this time he has had the opportunity to perform, compete, choreograph and teach. His dance styles of preference are Salsa and Bachata. He has trained and taken many private lessons from different teams and individuals, such as Salsa Con Coco, Rumba Y Cache Teams, Vitalidad Bachata Team, Alien Ramirez, Cristian Oviedo, Adrian and Anita’s Portland’s Team Project, Gaby Calderon Equiz (Alma Latina), Marc Brewer, Ataca Y La Alemana, Fernando Sosa, John Freddy Narvaez, and Liz Rojas (Salsamania Dance Company).
Iñaki is grateful to all of those who contributed to his development as a dancer (and plans to continue learning), and hopes to help others grow and develop their own dancing.
“Save me a dance!”
- Iñaki
Donna Oefinger - Instructor House
Donna Mation, performance artist, choreographer, and educator, is the
artistic director and choreographer for Axé Didé Afro-Cuban and Brazilian
Music and Dance Co., and Bang Bang Boogie. DonnaMation specializes in
club and street dances from the USA including, Hustle, House, Popping, and
Hip Hop as well as sacred and secular dances of Cuba and Brazil. She has
performed and taught in various places around the world. Donna has
danced most of her life and began her career as a performer and educator
of dance in 1999.
Donna’s love of both the deeply rooted sublime dances of the Orisha as
well as the infectious groove of street dance from the U.S. has led her to a
creative process combining the rich culture of hip hop with the intricate
movements of Afro-Cuban dance: Afro-Cuban Hip Hop. In Portland, she has
developed a university-level course “From Mambo to House” that
investigates the connection and lineage from Cuban Rumba through salsa,
hip-hop and house dance. When she is not on the road teaching, learning,
or performing, Donna offers Full length themed production’s and small
shows as well as community classes at various studios in Portland OR and
credited courses at local colleges and universities.
As an Artist Donna is appreciated for her vibrant presence and ability to create a verity of feelings within the audience. Donna has performed in
many awesome groups as a dancer, director, and percussionist including Rennie Harris Pure Movement, Omo Ire, Jujuba, The Lions of Batucada,
New Lineage, and Black Angel. As the artistic of Axé Didé, Donna masterfully combines rhythms and dances mainly from Cuba and Brazil, but
also from the diverse lineages of the African Diaspora. As a teacher, Donna is known for her enthusiasm, passion, and respect for
the origins of the many styles of dances she shares. Her classes are an education in history as well as a challenging workout for people with all
levels of experience. Donna inspires and supports her students to further embody movements and understand story telling through character, not just imitate form.
Donna studied at the Univeristy of Matanzas Cuba with Grupo Afro-Cuba and Los Muñequitos de Matansas after being introduced to Cuban Folklore by Teresita Domé Perez in 1997, who later became one of Donna’s mentors. Donna later studied extensively with Juan de Dios, director of the world renoun group Raices Profundas of Havana Cuba. Donna’s interest in Orisha/Orixa dance led her to intensive studies with Jorge Alabe and Rosangela Sivelstre in Brazil. Donna performed as a principal dancer with Juan de Dios, director of Raices
Profundas, and Miguel Bernal, former lead percussionist of Raises Profundas, in their USA based group Omo Ire. She has also had the great
opportunity to perform with Jorge Alabé in several performances, and worked as a performer and choreographer in a show with the world
renowned creators of Bata Ketu, Michael Spiro and Mark Lampson.
Donna Mation, performance artist, choreographer, and educator, is the
artistic director and choreographer for Axé Didé Afro-Cuban and Brazilian
Music and Dance Co., and Bang Bang Boogie. DonnaMation specializes in
club and street dances from the USA including, Hustle, House, Popping, and
Hip Hop as well as sacred and secular dances of Cuba and Brazil. She has
performed and taught in various places around the world. Donna has
danced most of her life and began her career as a performer and educator
of dance in 1999.
Donna’s love of both the deeply rooted sublime dances of the Orisha as
well as the infectious groove of street dance from the U.S. has led her to a
creative process combining the rich culture of hip hop with the intricate
movements of Afro-Cuban dance: Afro-Cuban Hip Hop. In Portland, she has
developed a university-level course “From Mambo to House” that
investigates the connection and lineage from Cuban Rumba through salsa,
hip-hop and house dance. When she is not on the road teaching, learning,
or performing, Donna offers Full length themed production’s and small
shows as well as community classes at various studios in Portland OR and
credited courses at local colleges and universities.
As an Artist Donna is appreciated for her vibrant presence and ability to create a verity of feelings within the audience. Donna has performed in
many awesome groups as a dancer, director, and percussionist including Rennie Harris Pure Movement, Omo Ire, Jujuba, The Lions of Batucada,
New Lineage, and Black Angel. As the artistic of Axé Didé, Donna masterfully combines rhythms and dances mainly from Cuba and Brazil, but
also from the diverse lineages of the African Diaspora. As a teacher, Donna is known for her enthusiasm, passion, and respect for
the origins of the many styles of dances she shares. Her classes are an education in history as well as a challenging workout for people with all
levels of experience. Donna inspires and supports her students to further embody movements and understand story telling through character, not just imitate form.
Donna studied at the Univeristy of Matanzas Cuba with Grupo Afro-Cuba and Los Muñequitos de Matansas after being introduced to Cuban Folklore by Teresita Domé Perez in 1997, who later became one of Donna’s mentors. Donna later studied extensively with Juan de Dios, director of the world renoun group Raices Profundas of Havana Cuba. Donna’s interest in Orisha/Orixa dance led her to intensive studies with Jorge Alabe and Rosangela Sivelstre in Brazil. Donna performed as a principal dancer with Juan de Dios, director of Raices
Profundas, and Miguel Bernal, former lead percussionist of Raises Profundas, in their USA based group Omo Ire. She has also had the great
opportunity to perform with Jorge Alabé in several performances, and worked as a performer and choreographer in a show with the world
renowned creators of Bata Ketu, Michael Spiro and Mark Lampson.
Shea Alexa
(Instructor: Belly Dance)
Shea Alexa is a multi-award winning, professional dance artist based in Salem Oregon. Shea currently performs regularly around the Pacific Northwest as a soloist, and in collaborative work with fellow dancers and musicians. Shea started her artistic journey in early childhood as a musician, and later found Middle Eastern dance at 14 years old. More information can be found at sheaalexa.com
(Instructor: Belly Dance)
Shea Alexa is a multi-award winning, professional dance artist based in Salem Oregon. Shea currently performs regularly around the Pacific Northwest as a soloist, and in collaborative work with fellow dancers and musicians. Shea started her artistic journey in early childhood as a musician, and later found Middle Eastern dance at 14 years old. More information can be found at sheaalexa.com
Joe Ferreira
(Instructor: Brazilian Zouk)
From Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, Joe Ferreira started to study dance at the age of 9. Even though Joe is known for mastering a variety of dance styles, at Vmac he teaches Brazilan Zouk, in partnership with Deblin.
In his trajectory with zouk, Joe studied with one of the biggest references in the world, "The Queen" Renata Peçanha, one of the pioneers of this style in Brazil. Known by his high energy and his big smile, Joe is aways happy to bring the best of his dance and knowledge to everybody!
(Instructor: Brazilian Zouk)
From Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, Joe Ferreira started to study dance at the age of 9. Even though Joe is known for mastering a variety of dance styles, at Vmac he teaches Brazilan Zouk, in partnership with Deblin.
In his trajectory with zouk, Joe studied with one of the biggest references in the world, "The Queen" Renata Peçanha, one of the pioneers of this style in Brazil. Known by his high energy and his big smile, Joe is aways happy to bring the best of his dance and knowledge to everybody!
Malik Delgado
(Instructor: Afro Latin Funk, Salsa, Cha Cha Cha)
Originally by way of New York, Malik Delgado draws his inspiration from HIs Afro American and Afro Caribbean origins. As a student/performer of street dance helping to form local crews like Portland City Rockers and Soul Trigger PDX, Malik’s journey has led him to immerse himself into many cultures from B-Boying, to Popping/Boogaloo to Krump. Simultaneously never thinking his Love for movement and artistic expressions would lead him embrace Salsa, American Style Ballroom, Afro Latin Fusion. by sharing his street dance education with local schools and programs, Malik has been inspired by how effective dance has been in inspiring his community and continues to Perform, Teach an educate in hopes to continue the traditions that have given so much to his life and the lives around him.
He believes what defines us is the work we do to uplift and learn from each other as a local and global community. Through education, celebration, and sharing our experiences we can indeed grow through our past and present life challenges and successes. The healing that comes from its work is limitless in its potential and its benefits.
(Instructor: Afro Latin Funk, Salsa, Cha Cha Cha)
Originally by way of New York, Malik Delgado draws his inspiration from HIs Afro American and Afro Caribbean origins. As a student/performer of street dance helping to form local crews like Portland City Rockers and Soul Trigger PDX, Malik’s journey has led him to immerse himself into many cultures from B-Boying, to Popping/Boogaloo to Krump. Simultaneously never thinking his Love for movement and artistic expressions would lead him embrace Salsa, American Style Ballroom, Afro Latin Fusion. by sharing his street dance education with local schools and programs, Malik has been inspired by how effective dance has been in inspiring his community and continues to Perform, Teach an educate in hopes to continue the traditions that have given so much to his life and the lives around him.
He believes what defines us is the work we do to uplift and learn from each other as a local and global community. Through education, celebration, and sharing our experiences we can indeed grow through our past and present life challenges and successes. The healing that comes from its work is limitless in its potential and its benefits.
Decimus Yarbrough - Hip Hop
Decimus Yarbrough is multi-disciplined artist, currently based in Portland, OR. As a movement artist, Decimus has studied various movement disciplines over the span of the last 18 years, such as; Breakin’, Hip Hop Freestyle, House Dance, Capoeira, West African and more. Decimus developed a great amount of experience by being able to perform, teach and compete throughout The U.S. & Europe. Some of Decimus' current work includes; Working independently as performer and choreographer. A movement educator at Da Vinci Arts Middle School, Atkinson Elementary and various other school residencies. He is a part of the "Assassins: Warriors of Light" worldwide dance collective, as well as a choreographer and company dancer for "Rejoice!: Diaspora Dance Theater", based out of Portland, OR. Decimus also uses his experience to give back in the form of: "Cypher Culture Conference" - Portland's first festival-style event conglomerate which honors, celebrates and preserves street/club dances, music and culture over the span of four days & nights every Spring.
Decimus Yarbrough is multi-disciplined artist, currently based in Portland, OR. As a movement artist, Decimus has studied various movement disciplines over the span of the last 18 years, such as; Breakin’, Hip Hop Freestyle, House Dance, Capoeira, West African and more. Decimus developed a great amount of experience by being able to perform, teach and compete throughout The U.S. & Europe. Some of Decimus' current work includes; Working independently as performer and choreographer. A movement educator at Da Vinci Arts Middle School, Atkinson Elementary and various other school residencies. He is a part of the "Assassins: Warriors of Light" worldwide dance collective, as well as a choreographer and company dancer for "Rejoice!: Diaspora Dance Theater", based out of Portland, OR. Decimus also uses his experience to give back in the form of: "Cypher Culture Conference" - Portland's first festival-style event conglomerate which honors, celebrates and preserves street/club dances, music and culture over the span of four days & nights every Spring.
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Nisi Harrel
(Instructor: Twerk) Her fitness journey began over 5 years ago when she fell in love with dance fitness. Along her journey she became a certified as a U-Jam fitness instructor and Pop Pilates instructor. She's a strong believer in if you love what you do you'll never work a day in your life! Inspiring, motivating, supporting, and healing others is what she lives for. The fun and loving fitness community in the NW has helped to shape who she is as an instructor as well as a human being. Besides being a dance fitness instructor, Nisi is also a loving mother and helps heal others threw her work as a Liscensed Massage Therapist. She is so excited to bring U-Jam to VMAC and can't wait to share her passion with you all. |
