Carolina Rahima, 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-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-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
(Instructor: Bachata, Brazilian Zouk, Salsa)
Deblin McKnight is a Portland-based dancer, instructor, organizer, and community builder specializing in Bachata, Brazilian Zouk, and Salsa. At VMAC, she teaches with a warm, expressive, connection-centered approach that helps students build confidence, musicality, technique, and social dance fluency. As both a lead and a follow, Deblin brings clarity, playfulness, and care to the classroom, creating space for dancers to feel challenged, supported, and at home in their movement.
Beyond weekly classes, Deblin is active in the national and international social dance community as a teacher, competitor, event organizer, and Brazilian Zouk Jack & Jill judge. She is the Director of Eclipse Zouk Marathon and Co-Operator of PDX Bachata, and she curates weekenders and guest-artist experiences that bring fresh inspiration to Portland dancers. Through her teaching and organizing, Deblin is committed to mentoring artists, strengthening community, and helping grow an inclusive, vibrant dance ecosystem in Portland.
Follow her journey on Instagram: @deblinmcknight
(Instructor: Bachata, Brazilian Zouk, Salsa)
Deblin McKnight is a Portland-based dancer, instructor, organizer, and community builder specializing in Bachata, Brazilian Zouk, and Salsa. At VMAC, she teaches with a warm, expressive, connection-centered approach that helps students build confidence, musicality, technique, and social dance fluency. As both a lead and a follow, Deblin brings clarity, playfulness, and care to the classroom, creating space for dancers to feel challenged, supported, and at home in their movement.
Beyond weekly classes, Deblin is active in the national and international social dance community as a teacher, competitor, event organizer, and Brazilian Zouk Jack & Jill judge. She is the Director of Eclipse Zouk Marathon and Co-Operator of PDX Bachata, and she curates weekenders and guest-artist experiences that bring fresh inspiration to Portland dancers. Through her teaching and organizing, Deblin is committed to mentoring artists, strengthening community, and helping grow an inclusive, vibrant dance ecosystem in Portland.
Follow her journey on Instagram: @deblinmcknight
Elinore Eden Edge
(Instructor: Bellydance)
Elinore Eden Edge began bellydancing in the mid-1990s and has been bellydancing professionally since 2001. She is often known for her specializations in prop work such as sword, cane, veil, goblets, flags, and more. She is the head house dancer at Marrakesh Restaurant in Portland, Oregon, and you can also catch her regularly performing at local restaurants, weddings, birthdays, and festivals. She is Level 3 Salimpour Format certified and is a member of the Portland Salimpour Collective. She is also the illustrator of the internationally published Cosmic Dancer Oracle. She has been teaching workshops, private lessons, and group classes in dance technique, performance, and choreography for many years, and is excited to share her skills and knowledge with the community at the Vitalidad Movement Arts Center.
You can read more about her on her website here: elinorebellydance.com
(Instructor: Bellydance)
Elinore Eden Edge began bellydancing in the mid-1990s and has been bellydancing professionally since 2001. She is often known for her specializations in prop work such as sword, cane, veil, goblets, flags, and more. She is the head house dancer at Marrakesh Restaurant in Portland, Oregon, and you can also catch her regularly performing at local restaurants, weddings, birthdays, and festivals. She is Level 3 Salimpour Format certified and is a member of the Portland Salimpour Collective. She is also the illustrator of the internationally published Cosmic Dancer Oracle. She has been teaching workshops, private lessons, and group classes in dance technique, performance, and choreography for many years, and is excited to share her skills and knowledge with the community at the Vitalidad Movement Arts Center.
You can read more about her on her website here: elinorebellydance.com
Carlie and Chris
(Instructors: West Coast Swing)
Carlie developed a passion for glitter, glitz, and 'Dancing With The Stars' at age 9. She began in American ballroom and Latin, later finding her true love, West Coast Swing, through Uptown Ballroom. She loves to share her WCS passion with students in WA and OR and loves her Portland community!
Chris initially danced for credits at Oregon State University but fell in love with it. He explored ballroom and West Coast Swing, competing and learning at conventions. Eager to share his passion, Chris helps his community and embraces dancing's transformative power.
(Instructors: West Coast Swing)
Carlie developed a passion for glitter, glitz, and 'Dancing With The Stars' at age 9. She began in American ballroom and Latin, later finding her true love, West Coast Swing, through Uptown Ballroom. She loves to share her WCS passion with students in WA and OR and loves her Portland community!
Chris initially danced for credits at Oregon State University but fell in love with it. He explored ballroom and West Coast Swing, competing and learning at conventions. Eager to share his passion, Chris helps his community and embraces dancing's transformative power.
Latroy Robinson
(Instructor: Vogue)
A vogueing boy in ballroom for the last 4 years. I’ve trained in hip-hop and contemporary for many years. I’ve travelled across the country to compete with vogue in many balls and have been instrumental in recently growing our local ballroom scene
(Instructor: Vogue)
A vogueing boy in ballroom for the last 4 years. I’ve trained in hip-hop and contemporary for many years. I’ve travelled across the country to compete with vogue in many balls and have been instrumental in recently growing our local ballroom scene
Adayl Iost
(Instructor: Brazilan Zouk)
Adayl (He/Him) is a seasoned Brazilian dance instructor with over fourteen years of international teaching experience. Originally from Araraquara, Brazil, he is a proud member of Grupo Embalanço and has taught, performed, and inspired dancers at festivals and congresses across Brazil and around the globe.
Known for infusing his classes with authentic Brazilian joy and energy, Adayl specializes in Brazilian Zouk and is currently expanding his impact by building and nurturing the Bachata community in Portland, Oregon. He has previously helped grow dance communities in Denver, Seattle, and Washington, DC.
Adayl’s teaching style emphasizes strong partner connection, clean fundamentals, fluid movement, expressive body dynamics, and rich musicality. He draws deep inspiration from notable masters such as Leandro & Nayara, Brenda, Bruno G & Raiza, and Paulo & Luiza.
In addition to teaching, Adayl is an accomplished DJ, curating vibrant dance floors with both Brazilian Zouk and Bachata music. He has been featured as a DJ at numerous international dance events and is an active leader in the Brazilian Zouk Jack & Jill competition scene, serving as one of the primary Competition Coordinators.
Passionate, engaging, and deeply rooted in the dance community, Adayl continues to share his love for movement while connecting dancers through rhythm, culture, and joy.
(Instructor: Brazilan Zouk)
Adayl (He/Him) is a seasoned Brazilian dance instructor with over fourteen years of international teaching experience. Originally from Araraquara, Brazil, he is a proud member of Grupo Embalanço and has taught, performed, and inspired dancers at festivals and congresses across Brazil and around the globe.
Known for infusing his classes with authentic Brazilian joy and energy, Adayl specializes in Brazilian Zouk and is currently expanding his impact by building and nurturing the Bachata community in Portland, Oregon. He has previously helped grow dance communities in Denver, Seattle, and Washington, DC.
Adayl’s teaching style emphasizes strong partner connection, clean fundamentals, fluid movement, expressive body dynamics, and rich musicality. He draws deep inspiration from notable masters such as Leandro & Nayara, Brenda, Bruno G & Raiza, and Paulo & Luiza.
In addition to teaching, Adayl is an accomplished DJ, curating vibrant dance floors with both Brazilian Zouk and Bachata music. He has been featured as a DJ at numerous international dance events and is an active leader in the Brazilian Zouk Jack & Jill competition scene, serving as one of the primary Competition Coordinators.
Passionate, engaging, and deeply rooted in the dance community, Adayl continues to share his love for movement while connecting dancers through rhythm, culture, and joy.
Tristan Gomez
(Intstructor: Lindy Hop, Balboa)
Tristan has been immersed in the swing dance world for nearly a decade. He discovered Lindy Hop and Balboa while studying at OSU, and it was love at first sight. He quickly became a scene leader and dance instructor in the Corvallis Swing Dance Society, before eventually settling in Portland. Since then, Tristan has been regularly teaching swing dance, traveling to regional and national dance events, and honing his craft. An avid competitor, Tristan's most recent accolades are: earning second place at the Tracktown Throwdown, and making finals in the Open Balboa division at Camp Jitterbug.
(Intstructor: Lindy Hop, Balboa)
Tristan has been immersed in the swing dance world for nearly a decade. He discovered Lindy Hop and Balboa while studying at OSU, and it was love at first sight. He quickly became a scene leader and dance instructor in the Corvallis Swing Dance Society, before eventually settling in Portland. Since then, Tristan has been regularly teaching swing dance, traveling to regional and national dance events, and honing his craft. An avid competitor, Tristan's most recent accolades are: earning second place at the Tracktown Throwdown, and making finals in the Open Balboa division at Camp Jitterbug.
Nicki
(Instructor: KPOP and Hip Hop)
With over 15 years of dance experience, I specialize in Hip Hop and have performed in numerous shows and competitions across Taiwan, as well as international commercial performances in various countries. I have received dance training in the Netherlands, South Korea, and Mexico, gaining a wide cultural perspective and refining my craft. Now based in the United States, I actively perform with two dance crews: SRX and Viperz. I am also the founder of a nonprofit organization called KPW, which focuses on using dance and movement to empower communities. My most recent performance was at Zumiez’s "More Than Rolling" event in Portland.
(Instructor: KPOP and Hip Hop)
With over 15 years of dance experience, I specialize in Hip Hop and have performed in numerous shows and competitions across Taiwan, as well as international commercial performances in various countries. I have received dance training in the Netherlands, South Korea, and Mexico, gaining a wide cultural perspective and refining my craft. Now based in the United States, I actively perform with two dance crews: SRX and Viperz. I am also the founder of a nonprofit organization called KPW, which focuses on using dance and movement to empower communities. My most recent performance was at Zumiez’s "More Than Rolling" event in Portland.
Juan
(Instructor: Breaking)
Hi, my name is Juan Resendiz I also go by Juan hundred. Born and raise in Portland, Oregon. I been breaking for 16 years and compete all over the world.
(Instructor: Breaking)
Hi, my name is Juan Resendiz I also go by Juan hundred. Born and raise in Portland, Oregon. I been breaking for 16 years and compete all over the world.
Michael
Instructor: Funk/CampbelLock
Michael Galen is a dancer, choreographer, musician, and educator known for his dynamic fusion of rhythm, physical theater, and global movement traditions. He is an original member of Rejoice! Diaspora Dance Theater, with work featured on Comedy Central, IFC’s Portlandia, and TedX Mt. Hood. As a musician and composer, he has studied and performed worldwide, collaborating with artists from Cuba, Brazil, and Senegal, and directing ensembles like POPgoji and Bloco Alegria. His teaching approach integrates dance, music, and movement practices, fostering expression and body awareness for students of all abilities. Michael has developed arts curricula for schools, afterschool programs, and institutions like Portland Community College and PHAME. With a background in gymnastics, breakdance, and capoeira, his work continues to bridge disciplines, cultures, and communities through performance and education.
Instructor: Funk/CampbelLock
Michael Galen is a dancer, choreographer, musician, and educator known for his dynamic fusion of rhythm, physical theater, and global movement traditions. He is an original member of Rejoice! Diaspora Dance Theater, with work featured on Comedy Central, IFC’s Portlandia, and TedX Mt. Hood. As a musician and composer, he has studied and performed worldwide, collaborating with artists from Cuba, Brazil, and Senegal, and directing ensembles like POPgoji and Bloco Alegria. His teaching approach integrates dance, music, and movement practices, fostering expression and body awareness for students of all abilities. Michael has developed arts curricula for schools, afterschool programs, and institutions like Portland Community College and PHAME. With a background in gymnastics, breakdance, and capoeira, his work continues to bridge disciplines, cultures, and communities through performance and education.
Kendra
(Instructor: Sensual Bachata)
Kendra is a passionate, caring dance instructor born in Portland, Oregon who grew up on the beautiful Oregon coast. Her love for Latin dance was sparked during her 4+ years living and studying in various parts of Latin America. While immersed in these vibrant cultures, Kendra learned a range of dance styles including Champeta and Vallenato in Colombia, Punta in Honduras, Salsa and Cumbia in México, Bachata in the Dominican Republic and Típico in Panamá.
In 2019, she began formal training, where she performed and competed with Bachata Reborn across the U.S., earning notable accolades including 2nd place at the Las Vegas Super Congress in 2019 and 1st place in 2022. Her extensive travel and dance experiences have deepened her understanding of rhythm, connection, and body movement.
Kendra began teaching Bachata in 2023, sharing her knowledge of foundational techniques and connection with students. Driven by a competitive spirit and a deep passion for dance, she is committed to continually refining her skills and inspiring others to do the same.
In 2026, Kendra opened her own dance company Latin Dance Waves LLC, to spread her love of bachata across the Oregon Coast. She currently teaches beginner classes in Pacific City, Oregon and hopes to continue to expand to other parts of the Oregon Coast.
(Instructor: Sensual Bachata)
Kendra is a passionate, caring dance instructor born in Portland, Oregon who grew up on the beautiful Oregon coast. Her love for Latin dance was sparked during her 4+ years living and studying in various parts of Latin America. While immersed in these vibrant cultures, Kendra learned a range of dance styles including Champeta and Vallenato in Colombia, Punta in Honduras, Salsa and Cumbia in México, Bachata in the Dominican Republic and Típico in Panamá.
In 2019, she began formal training, where she performed and competed with Bachata Reborn across the U.S., earning notable accolades including 2nd place at the Las Vegas Super Congress in 2019 and 1st place in 2022. Her extensive travel and dance experiences have deepened her understanding of rhythm, connection, and body movement.
Kendra began teaching Bachata in 2023, sharing her knowledge of foundational techniques and connection with students. Driven by a competitive spirit and a deep passion for dance, she is committed to continually refining her skills and inspiring others to do the same.
In 2026, Kendra opened her own dance company Latin Dance Waves LLC, to spread her love of bachata across the Oregon Coast. She currently teaches beginner classes in Pacific City, Oregon and hopes to continue to expand to other parts of the Oregon Coast.
