Carolina and Jamal - Owners/Instructors - Salsa, Bachata & Kizomba
Carolina started dancing Salsa in 2003 and fell in love with it. She grew up with salsa music in Venezuela but was now introduced to a more technique oriented and challenging style. She quickly started taking every single group and private course in the portland area and started performing in all the different performance classes that were offered. She performed with two different all womens 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. She has spent the last couple of years training and performing with the Caribbean Soul Dance Team in NJ. 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 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 solo at the Vancouver BC Salsa Festival, Seattle Salsa Congress, Rose City Salsa Festival and at Club Cache in NY. He has spent the last couple of years teaching at the Caribbean Soul Dance Studio and performing 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 things in a simple way.
Carolina started dancing Salsa in 2003 and fell in love with it. She grew up with salsa music in Venezuela but was now introduced to a more technique oriented and challenging style. She quickly started taking every single group and private course in the portland area and started performing in all the different performance classes that were offered. She performed with two different all womens 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. She has spent the last couple of years training and performing with the Caribbean Soul Dance Team in NJ. 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 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 solo at the Vancouver BC Salsa Festival, Seattle Salsa Congress, Rose City Salsa Festival and at Club Cache in NY. He has spent the last couple of years teaching at the Caribbean Soul Dance Studio and performing 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 things in a simple way.
Bruce Smith - Zumba Instructor
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
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
Daniel Girón - Vogue Instructor
"Originally from Veracruz Mex, Daniel Girón is a well rounded dancer with a background in Latin partner dance styles, House, Waacking, Contemporary and Vogue.
As a Voguer, Daniel has won multiple trophies in the ball scene, Holding the title of Porltand's first ever vogue champion after his victory at the 2014 Black and White Ball.
He is the Father / Founder of House of ADA and is on a mission to help cultivate a strong Vogue community in the North West, teaching the history and fundamentals of this style on a weekly basis at Vitalidad Movement Art Center in Portland OR."
"Originally from Veracruz Mex, Daniel Girón is a well rounded dancer with a background in Latin partner dance styles, House, Waacking, Contemporary and Vogue.
As a Voguer, Daniel has won multiple trophies in the ball scene, Holding the title of Porltand's first ever vogue champion after his victory at the 2014 Black and White Ball.
He is the Father / Founder of House of ADA and is on a mission to help cultivate a strong Vogue community in the North West, teaching the history and fundamentals of this style on a weekly basis at Vitalidad Movement Art Center in Portland OR."
Nathalia Carbajal - Zouk/Zumba/Twerk Instructor
Nathalia Carbajal was born in São Paulo, Brazil and grew up following the footsteps of her family’s passion for dance. Since her early childhood she has shown interest in dance, attending Ballet and Jazz lessons from the age of 4. As a teenager she had partner dance training, when she learned different styles of Brazilian ballroom dance, such as Samba de Gafieira, Forró and Sertanejo. In the meantime she also trained Street Dance and Axé, a folkloric dance from Brazil. In 2006 she began to study Law, but always kept her dance training as part of her life. During college she attended a performance arts group for 2 years, having performed at festivals and events. In 2008 she discovered Zouk, and it was love at first sight. Since then she has been practicing Zouk and its different styles. In 2013, she moved to Los Angeles and couldn’t stop dancing. That’s where she met Ivo Vieira and Shani Mayer, when she kept training Zouk and was introduced to Kizomba. Living in Portland since 2014, she decided to dedicate her life to dance, getting certified in Zumba, having elaborated her class with a spicy Brazilian flavor. Her biggest goal is to bring Zouk to the city and spread her love for this beautiful dance style.
http://nathaliacarbajal.zumba.com/
Nathalia Carbajal was born in São Paulo, Brazil and grew up following the footsteps of her family’s passion for dance. Since her early childhood she has shown interest in dance, attending Ballet and Jazz lessons from the age of 4. As a teenager she had partner dance training, when she learned different styles of Brazilian ballroom dance, such as Samba de Gafieira, Forró and Sertanejo. In the meantime she also trained Street Dance and Axé, a folkloric dance from Brazil. In 2006 she began to study Law, but always kept her dance training as part of her life. During college she attended a performance arts group for 2 years, having performed at festivals and events. In 2008 she discovered Zouk, and it was love at first sight. Since then she has been practicing Zouk and its different styles. In 2013, she moved to Los Angeles and couldn’t stop dancing. That’s where she met Ivo Vieira and Shani Mayer, when she kept training Zouk and was introduced to Kizomba. Living in Portland since 2014, she decided to dedicate her life to dance, getting certified in Zumba, having elaborated her class with a spicy Brazilian flavor. Her biggest goal is to bring Zouk to the city and spread her love for this beautiful dance style.
http://nathaliacarbajal.zumba.com/
Wendy & Allen Parco - Fitness Bootcamp/Self Defense/Martial Arts Instructors
Wendy has Black Belts in Chinese Kenpo & Chinese Kuoshu and is Certified Black Belt Martial Arts/Self Defense Instructor. She has over 14 years of experience teaching martial arts and self defense.
She is an experienced international competitor in forms, weapons, full contact fighting and has been the US Open Full Contact Fighting Champion in Chinese Kuoshu. She specializes in Self –Defense Close Quarter Combat Training and has worked as Violence Prevention & Self Defense Instructor for WomenStrength, Portland Police Bureau.
She has a Master’s Degree in Holistic Health Education and her passion is using her education, training, and experience to help others to thrive by helping them realize their physical and mental power, trusting their intuition, gaining self-confidence and believing in themselves.
Allen has a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, 1st Degree Black Belts in Chinese Kenpo & Chinese Kuoshu. He is a certified Martial Arts/ Self Defense Instructor with over 15 years of experience teaching martial arts self defense.
He is an accomplished international competitor in forms, weapons, fighting and is a 3 times Chinese Kuoshu Full Contact Fighting World Champion.
He is also a Certified Personal Trainer, Boot camp instructor,Teen conditioning instructor, and is CPR Certified.
Allen’s passion is helping others find their best selves through self-defense, martial arts, and
fitness training. He will continue to challenge himself mentally and physically and use his
considerable experience and skill to help all those he teaches reach their goals in life, health
and fitness.
Wendy has Black Belts in Chinese Kenpo & Chinese Kuoshu and is Certified Black Belt Martial Arts/Self Defense Instructor. She has over 14 years of experience teaching martial arts and self defense.
She is an experienced international competitor in forms, weapons, full contact fighting and has been the US Open Full Contact Fighting Champion in Chinese Kuoshu. She specializes in Self –Defense Close Quarter Combat Training and has worked as Violence Prevention & Self Defense Instructor for WomenStrength, Portland Police Bureau.
She has a Master’s Degree in Holistic Health Education and her passion is using her education, training, and experience to help others to thrive by helping them realize their physical and mental power, trusting their intuition, gaining self-confidence and believing in themselves.
Allen has a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, 1st Degree Black Belts in Chinese Kenpo & Chinese Kuoshu. He is a certified Martial Arts/ Self Defense Instructor with over 15 years of experience teaching martial arts self defense.
He is an accomplished international competitor in forms, weapons, fighting and is a 3 times Chinese Kuoshu Full Contact Fighting World Champion.
He is also a Certified Personal Trainer, Boot camp instructor,Teen conditioning instructor, and is CPR Certified.
Allen’s passion is helping others find their best selves through self-defense, martial arts, and
fitness training. He will continue to challenge himself mentally and physically and use his
considerable experience and skill to help all those he teaches reach their goals in life, health
and fitness.
Alyssa - Yoga Instructor
Alyssa first started exploring yoga in college using a slim 70’s era book she discovered in her parents’ basement. While attending law school she continued to pursue a personal yoga practice using Rodney Yee VHS tapes she credits for keeping her sane through finals and while studying for the bar exam.
In 2001, Alyssa moved to New York City to pursue her legal career where she finally decided to attend her first yoga class at Sonic Yoga, a studio she frequently returned to over the course of the next decade to offset the mental stress and physical strain of long law firm hours.
In 2011 Alyssa was diagnosed with breast cancer and deepened her personal yoga practice to support both her mind and body throughout chemotherapy, radiation and recovery. It was during this time when Alyssa was introduced to Tari Prinster, Yoga 4 Cancer founder and creator of a yoga methodology focused on supporting the needs of cancer patients and survivors. Tari’s classes inspired Alyssa to pursue a long-delayed dream of teaching yoga.
In 2013, about a year after moving to Portland, she attended her first 200-hour yoga teacher training with Sonic Yoga in Costa Rica. She also trained with Tari Prinster in her cancer supportive methodology and continues to attend workshops and seek out training opportunities to deepen her own practice and improve her teaching skills. Alyssa focuses on engaging in a cooperative dialogue with her students to guide them through a playful and supportive practice to build strength, flexibility and balance
Alyssa first started exploring yoga in college using a slim 70’s era book she discovered in her parents’ basement. While attending law school she continued to pursue a personal yoga practice using Rodney Yee VHS tapes she credits for keeping her sane through finals and while studying for the bar exam.
In 2001, Alyssa moved to New York City to pursue her legal career where she finally decided to attend her first yoga class at Sonic Yoga, a studio she frequently returned to over the course of the next decade to offset the mental stress and physical strain of long law firm hours.
In 2011 Alyssa was diagnosed with breast cancer and deepened her personal yoga practice to support both her mind and body throughout chemotherapy, radiation and recovery. It was during this time when Alyssa was introduced to Tari Prinster, Yoga 4 Cancer founder and creator of a yoga methodology focused on supporting the needs of cancer patients and survivors. Tari’s classes inspired Alyssa to pursue a long-delayed dream of teaching yoga.
In 2013, about a year after moving to Portland, she attended her first 200-hour yoga teacher training with Sonic Yoga in Costa Rica. She also trained with Tari Prinster in her cancer supportive methodology and continues to attend workshops and seek out training opportunities to deepen her own practice and improve her teaching skills. Alyssa focuses on engaging in a cooperative dialogue with her students to guide them through a playful and supportive practice to build strength, flexibility and balance
Paula Metzler - Sexy Heels Instructor
Paula Metzler has been a dancer for 13 years and has trained in various styles. She has 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!). She 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.
Paula Metzler has been a dancer for 13 years and has trained in various styles. She has 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!). She 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 - Rueda de Casino Instructor
Rob walked into a Casino Salsa class on a whim in September 2005 and has never looked back. He has worked diligently to learn, perform, and teach the dance style he has come to love.
Often described as having "super clean" technique, Rob is thoroughly well-versed in calling Ruedas (the group form of Casino); however, his focus has been to master the art of leading and general technique to make partner dancing enjoyable for follows as well as leads.
Relocated to Portland in April 2012, Rob put in countless hours dancing and performing in the thriving Bay Area Cuban Dance Scene and is eager to share his knowledge with the Pacific Northwest. He is thrilled to join a community of dancers he highly respects and has a long-standing friendship with.
Finally venturing out on his own, he not only looks forward to help spreading the love of Timba (Cuban Salsa music) and Casino dance worldwide, but also bringing a new perspective on Casino to Portland.
Rob walked into a Casino Salsa class on a whim in September 2005 and has never looked back. He has worked diligently to learn, perform, and teach the dance style he has come to love.
Often described as having "super clean" technique, Rob is thoroughly well-versed in calling Ruedas (the group form of Casino); however, his focus has been to master the art of leading and general technique to make partner dancing enjoyable for follows as well as leads.
Relocated to Portland in April 2012, Rob put in countless hours dancing and performing in the thriving Bay Area Cuban Dance Scene and is eager to share his knowledge with the Pacific Northwest. He is thrilled to join a community of dancers he highly respects and has a long-standing friendship with.
Finally venturing out on his own, he not only looks forward to help spreading the love of Timba (Cuban Salsa music) and Casino dance worldwide, but also bringing a new perspective on Casino to Portland.
Iñaki Villanueva Torres - Bachata Instructor
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
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
DJ Prashant - Bhangra Instructor
Prashant brings over 10 years of experience in teaching dance at universities (PSU, REED & PCC), various dance studios (Portland & Seattle) & hundreds of cultural events to people from all ages, cultures & nationalities. When he is not traveling across the US teaching dance or DJ’ing, Prashant spends time practicing Yoga & Singing.
Prashant brings over 10 years of experience in teaching dance at universities (PSU, REED & PCC), various dance studios (Portland & Seattle) & hundreds of cultural events to people from all ages, cultures & nationalities. When he is not traveling across the US teaching dance or DJ’ing, Prashant spends time practicing Yoga & Singing.
Jesus Rodales - Hip Hop Grooves & Popping Instructor
Jesus Rodales is an upcoming instructor in Portland metro area. His training began at Element Dance studio under Don Flores and Isiah Munoz which has expand to other artist such as Mega Man From Heavy Hittaz, Ian Eastwood, Parris Goebel, Alison Franco and many other such Larkin Poynton. This young man has become a fierce competitor in the battle scene. His style is taken from many influences, yet he fuses the traditional Party dances and fusses it with popping to create his unique take on Hiphop.He is recently preformed for Lovey James along side NW REIGN. They also preformed at World Of Dance 2013 and an opening game for the Seattle Sonics. He was also casted to compete on a talent show called "Tengo Talento Mucho Talento" on Estrella TV. Despite his success he continues to strive for new heights.
Jesus Rodales is an upcoming instructor in Portland metro area. His training began at Element Dance studio under Don Flores and Isiah Munoz which has expand to other artist such as Mega Man From Heavy Hittaz, Ian Eastwood, Parris Goebel, Alison Franco and many other such Larkin Poynton. This young man has become a fierce competitor in the battle scene. His style is taken from many influences, yet he fuses the traditional Party dances and fusses it with popping to create his unique take on Hiphop.He is recently preformed for Lovey James along side NW REIGN. They also preformed at World Of Dance 2013 and an opening game for the Seattle Sonics. He was also casted to compete on a talent show called "Tengo Talento Mucho Talento" on Estrella TV. Despite his success he continues to strive for new heights.
Alia Lux - Dancehall Instructor
Alia Lux has been a dancer for the majority of her life. She started ballet, tap and jazz with Miss Kay Schneider at the Academy of Dance at age 5. She continued into her teens and performed in 3 different productions of the Nutcracker. When Alia hit a certain age and her body changed she no longer fit into the “ideal” body type for the Academy and felt too much pressure to change her natural body type. In response she quit dancing all together, but that didn’t last for long.
In 2002 Alia moved to the San Francisco/Bay Area, where she got to dive deeper into admiration and love for Latin dance. She spent a lot of time learning about Cuban culture and dance, and learned to dance Casino style (Cuban) salsa in San Francisco. It was also there she developed a connection and respect and admiration for AfroCuban/Orisa(Lukumi) dance and culture. She studied with Jose Francisco Barroso from Cuba, who serves his community as a Babalawo(priest and folklorist) and is the founder of the Obakoso Drum & Dance Ensemble in the Bay Area.
Alia came to the NW in 2005 when she moved to Portland, Oregon. She spent much time in the Salsa scene for many years in Portland. She also became part of the Obo Addy Legacy Project which was a project created by West African (Ghanaian) based dance company that connected African dance to the diaspora and beyond. In 2014 she performed in the DiaTribe showcase with the Obo Addy Legacy project. She eventually she was invited to dance with the company Ase Dide, led by Donna Oefinger. Throughout the years she has had the opportunity to dance, train, and perform in Hip-Hop styles, Rio style Samba, Samba Reggae, AfroCuban, Haitian, and Brazilian dance along with bringing her long time passion to Portland, which is Dancehall.
Alia has always been influenced by Jamaican/Caribbean culture, being raised as a Rasta from an early age and having a diverse family with Caribbean roots. With that she was naturally drawn to Dancehall, a style of dance that was born in the streets of Jamaica. She has been traveling and living back and forth from Jamaica since 2002, and has been immersed in not only the street culture of Dancehall, but has also trained with some of the best and most well known dancers of Jamaica (Kimiko Versatile, Latonya Stylez, Orville Xpressionz, and many more). She has been featured on videos and performed on stage for Dancehall artists like QQ AND Baby Cham. She holds classes in Portland at Center Space, teaching all styles and eras of Dancehall (female, DHQ, oldschool,midschool, newschool).
In 2015 she created and started teaching Dancehall Fit! at the very popular dance cardio facility in Portland called PulsePDX. Dancehall Fit! combines Dancehall steps and flow with high intensity dancing, cardio, and fitness circuits.
In the summer of 2016, while in Jamaica, Alia competed in the World Reggae Dance Competition with the group called “D'Originals”, and they made it through the the semi-finals and the finals. She also completed the Level 1 training and certification for the iconic “Stylish Moves” style of Dancehall that was created by the female dancehall pioneer and owner of Dance Ja Studios, Latonya Stylez.
This past summer (2017) Alia was awarded a Professional Development grant from the Regional Arts and Culture Council in Portland, Or to do an intensive training and dance collaboration with Orville Xpressionz and the Xpressionz Family in Kingston, Jamaica where she focused on the roots of dancehall from the Afro diaspora influence in Jamaica. Orville Xpressionz is the artistic director for Theatre Xpressionz, the professional company that operates the popular dance group DANCE XPRESSIONZ and XPRESSIVE MOVES dance workshops. Orville is also the resident and chief judge for Jamaicas n°1 dance program Dancing Dynamite for 7 seasons. Orville Hall is iconic and has placed his name in the history books as being the person to have written the dancehall course for the college, the 1st in any institution in the caribbean.
In 2017 Alia hosted Dancehall dancers Kimiko Versatile(Jamaica) and DHQ Moiika Stanley(Jamaica/LA) to come to the NW and teach workshops and her goal is to continue to help grow and build up the Dancehall scene in the Pacific Northwest, and create a platform for authentic Dancehall and Dancehall culture.
Alia Lux has been a dancer for the majority of her life. She started ballet, tap and jazz with Miss Kay Schneider at the Academy of Dance at age 5. She continued into her teens and performed in 3 different productions of the Nutcracker. When Alia hit a certain age and her body changed she no longer fit into the “ideal” body type for the Academy and felt too much pressure to change her natural body type. In response she quit dancing all together, but that didn’t last for long.
In 2002 Alia moved to the San Francisco/Bay Area, where she got to dive deeper into admiration and love for Latin dance. She spent a lot of time learning about Cuban culture and dance, and learned to dance Casino style (Cuban) salsa in San Francisco. It was also there she developed a connection and respect and admiration for AfroCuban/Orisa(Lukumi) dance and culture. She studied with Jose Francisco Barroso from Cuba, who serves his community as a Babalawo(priest and folklorist) and is the founder of the Obakoso Drum & Dance Ensemble in the Bay Area.
Alia came to the NW in 2005 when she moved to Portland, Oregon. She spent much time in the Salsa scene for many years in Portland. She also became part of the Obo Addy Legacy Project which was a project created by West African (Ghanaian) based dance company that connected African dance to the diaspora and beyond. In 2014 she performed in the DiaTribe showcase with the Obo Addy Legacy project. She eventually she was invited to dance with the company Ase Dide, led by Donna Oefinger. Throughout the years she has had the opportunity to dance, train, and perform in Hip-Hop styles, Rio style Samba, Samba Reggae, AfroCuban, Haitian, and Brazilian dance along with bringing her long time passion to Portland, which is Dancehall.
Alia has always been influenced by Jamaican/Caribbean culture, being raised as a Rasta from an early age and having a diverse family with Caribbean roots. With that she was naturally drawn to Dancehall, a style of dance that was born in the streets of Jamaica. She has been traveling and living back and forth from Jamaica since 2002, and has been immersed in not only the street culture of Dancehall, but has also trained with some of the best and most well known dancers of Jamaica (Kimiko Versatile, Latonya Stylez, Orville Xpressionz, and many more). She has been featured on videos and performed on stage for Dancehall artists like QQ AND Baby Cham. She holds classes in Portland at Center Space, teaching all styles and eras of Dancehall (female, DHQ, oldschool,midschool, newschool).
In 2015 she created and started teaching Dancehall Fit! at the very popular dance cardio facility in Portland called PulsePDX. Dancehall Fit! combines Dancehall steps and flow with high intensity dancing, cardio, and fitness circuits.
In the summer of 2016, while in Jamaica, Alia competed in the World Reggae Dance Competition with the group called “D'Originals”, and they made it through the the semi-finals and the finals. She also completed the Level 1 training and certification for the iconic “Stylish Moves” style of Dancehall that was created by the female dancehall pioneer and owner of Dance Ja Studios, Latonya Stylez.
This past summer (2017) Alia was awarded a Professional Development grant from the Regional Arts and Culture Council in Portland, Or to do an intensive training and dance collaboration with Orville Xpressionz and the Xpressionz Family in Kingston, Jamaica where she focused on the roots of dancehall from the Afro diaspora influence in Jamaica. Orville Xpressionz is the artistic director for Theatre Xpressionz, the professional company that operates the popular dance group DANCE XPRESSIONZ and XPRESSIVE MOVES dance workshops. Orville is also the resident and chief judge for Jamaicas n°1 dance program Dancing Dynamite for 7 seasons. Orville Hall is iconic and has placed his name in the history books as being the person to have written the dancehall course for the college, the 1st in any institution in the caribbean.
In 2017 Alia hosted Dancehall dancers Kimiko Versatile(Jamaica) and DHQ Moiika Stanley(Jamaica/LA) to come to the NW and teach workshops and her goal is to continue to help grow and build up the Dancehall scene in the Pacific Northwest, and create a platform for authentic Dancehall and Dancehall culture.
Elle Crowley - Ballet/Bar Instructor
Elizabeth (Elle) Crowley was born and raised in Kailua, Hawaii where she began her
dance training at a young age. She went on to achieve her BFA in dance at the Boston
Conservatory, graduating in 2013, studying Ballet, classical and contemporary modern,
improvisation, dance theater, acting, and tap. Elle has worked with and performed works
by leading choreographers both at the Conservatory and professionally and now teaches
Dance and Barre in the Portland area.
Elizabeth (Elle) Crowley was born and raised in Kailua, Hawaii where she began her
dance training at a young age. She went on to achieve her BFA in dance at the Boston
Conservatory, graduating in 2013, studying Ballet, classical and contemporary modern,
improvisation, dance theater, acting, and tap. Elle has worked with and performed works
by leading choreographers both at the Conservatory and professionally and now teaches
Dance and Barre in the Portland area.
Joy Davina - West Coast Swing Instructor
Joy Davina has a degree in theater and dance from Northwestern University and has a diverse background in ballet, tap, jazz, ballroom, latin and swing dance. She actively competes on the West Coast Swing circuit to stay up to date on current technique and styling. Teaching is her passion for over 25 years and she specializes in Salsa, West Coast Swing, and unique and inspirational wedding choreography.
Joy makes each wedding dance special. One couple wished to recreate the "Dirty Dancing" scene for their first dance and she made it happen in 10 lessons!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PDlR40F-tY
Joy Davina has a degree in theater and dance from Northwestern University and has a diverse background in ballet, tap, jazz, ballroom, latin and swing dance. She actively competes on the West Coast Swing circuit to stay up to date on current technique and styling. Teaching is her passion for over 25 years and she specializes in Salsa, West Coast Swing, and unique and inspirational wedding choreography.
Joy makes each wedding dance special. One couple wished to recreate the "Dirty Dancing" scene for their first dance and she made it happen in 10 lessons!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PDlR40F-tY
Heather Klawender - Instructor Beginner's Hip Hop Choreo
Heather has been dancing since age 3, when she began studying the fundamentals of ballet, jazz and tap. As a young child, Heather found in dance a sense of community and belonging, and that an excitement and abiding passion had been awakened within her. She danced competitively across the United States during her grade school years and as a young adult began to experiment with various movement styles. Heather is absolutely gonzo about dance and movement of every kind. She has been devoted to a personal practice of yoga since 2002 and has been teaching yoga since 2013. Heather has traveled to L.A. to study hip hop, samba and salsa; she's studied ballet, modern and casino rueda at Western Oregon University; she's performed as part of a competitive salsa troupe, as the member of two fabulous burlesque troupes in Portland, as back-up dancer for a local urbano hip hop artist, and has even checked out some aerial acrobatics. A lifelong student, Heather continues to take classes and workshops at every opportunity (West African, popping, break dancing, Afro Cuban, jazz, dancehall, etc.). She believes wholeheartedly that each of us can thrive into our most authentic selves, that we can tap into a wellspring of joy, self acceptance, body love, confidence, peace and connection through dance and movement. She aims, in her classes, to foster a positive learning environment in which all feel welcome to move, groove, sweat and most of all, smile! She is honored to share her deep and enduring love of dance with the students at Vitalidad.
Heather has been dancing since age 3, when she began studying the fundamentals of ballet, jazz and tap. As a young child, Heather found in dance a sense of community and belonging, and that an excitement and abiding passion had been awakened within her. She danced competitively across the United States during her grade school years and as a young adult began to experiment with various movement styles. Heather is absolutely gonzo about dance and movement of every kind. She has been devoted to a personal practice of yoga since 2002 and has been teaching yoga since 2013. Heather has traveled to L.A. to study hip hop, samba and salsa; she's studied ballet, modern and casino rueda at Western Oregon University; she's performed as part of a competitive salsa troupe, as the member of two fabulous burlesque troupes in Portland, as back-up dancer for a local urbano hip hop artist, and has even checked out some aerial acrobatics. A lifelong student, Heather continues to take classes and workshops at every opportunity (West African, popping, break dancing, Afro Cuban, jazz, dancehall, etc.). She believes wholeheartedly that each of us can thrive into our most authentic selves, that we can tap into a wellspring of joy, self acceptance, body love, confidence, peace and connection through dance and movement. She aims, in her classes, to foster a positive learning environment in which all feel welcome to move, groove, sweat and most of all, smile! She is honored to share her deep and enduring love of dance with the students at Vitalidad.
