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, Zouk, Salsa)
Deblin McKnight is one of the co-owners at VMAC and lives for dance. Deblin joined VMAC shortly after it opened and immediately fell in love with the community and environment. She joined teams and continued to thrive on and off the stage. Currently, Deblin operates the Zouk & Bachata program at VMAC. She focuses on social dancing technique and knows how to lead and follow.
In addition to teaching classes and directing performance teams, Deblin participates heavily in community building. She is a board member of the Rose City Salsa & Timba Festival, Director of Eclipse Zouk Marathon, and Co-Operator of PDX Bachata. In addition to major events, she also organizes Weekender events that focus on a specific artist and their style. She enjoys teaching, training and hiring other amazing artists to grow the dance community in Portland.
(Instructor: Bachata, Zouk, Salsa)
Deblin McKnight is one of the co-owners at VMAC and lives for dance. Deblin joined VMAC shortly after it opened and immediately fell in love with the community and environment. She joined teams and continued to thrive on and off the stage. Currently, Deblin operates the Zouk & Bachata program at VMAC. She focuses on social dancing technique and knows how to lead and follow.
In addition to teaching classes and directing performance teams, Deblin participates heavily in community building. She is a board member of the Rose City Salsa & Timba Festival, Director of Eclipse Zouk Marathon, and Co-Operator of PDX Bachata. In addition to major events, she also organizes Weekender events that focus on a specific artist and their style. She enjoys teaching, training and hiring other amazing artists to grow the dance community in Portland.
Danie; Giron
(Instructor: Vogue)
"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."
(Instructor: Vogue)
"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."
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
Walle Brown
(Instructor: Breaking)
"Walle Brown is a dancer from Atlanta, Georgia who loves breaking (breakdance), house, locking and other styles. He is most well-trained in breaking and house, and incorporates both within his teaching style. He has been breaking since 2010 and has grown in experience throughout a medley of self-teaching, short-term mentors and international workshops. He has been featured in music videos like "The Mellow by The Clinician" and has won individual underground competitions like "Ultimate Dancer 6" (Atlanta, Ga). He has also taught dance throughout many academies like the Honey Rockwell Dance Academy, BeDance (ATL), The Space (ATL), Georgia Tech University (ATL), Portland State University (PDX) and to children in South Korea. His dance philosophy is centered around dance as a means of expression and, therefore, communication. Beyond movements, he focuses on establishing a strong, reliable, foundation for his students so that they have the tools to build their structures and combinations through a shared vocabulary. Respecting students as individuals is key to his teaching praxis because "different bodies have different needs". In his classroom, it is less about looking the same and more about speaking a common language - having a shared vocabulary of movement. He loves teaching and watching dancers grow! His class and teaching style are approachable and open to all who are ready and willing.^_^
(Instructor: Breaking)
"Walle Brown is a dancer from Atlanta, Georgia who loves breaking (breakdance), house, locking and other styles. He is most well-trained in breaking and house, and incorporates both within his teaching style. He has been breaking since 2010 and has grown in experience throughout a medley of self-teaching, short-term mentors and international workshops. He has been featured in music videos like "The Mellow by The Clinician" and has won individual underground competitions like "Ultimate Dancer 6" (Atlanta, Ga). He has also taught dance throughout many academies like the Honey Rockwell Dance Academy, BeDance (ATL), The Space (ATL), Georgia Tech University (ATL), Portland State University (PDX) and to children in South Korea. His dance philosophy is centered around dance as a means of expression and, therefore, communication. Beyond movements, he focuses on establishing a strong, reliable, foundation for his students so that they have the tools to build their structures and combinations through a shared vocabulary. Respecting students as individuals is key to his teaching praxis because "different bodies have different needs". In his classroom, it is less about looking the same and more about speaking a common language - having a shared vocabulary of movement. He loves teaching and watching dancers grow! His class and teaching style are approachable and open to all who are ready and willing.^_^
Branden Morgan
(Instructor: Salsa)
Branden began dancing salsa in 2010. Training in New York with Eddie Torres, Franklin Diaz, Ismael Otero and many more he has a deep understanding of salsa, on2 and on1, timing, music and technique.
When Branden moved to Portland in 2015, he promptly connected with Carolina and Jamal at Vmac to continue to study salsa on2 with a focus on social dancing. He joined the salsa on2 performance team and became team captain after one year of training and began teaching shortly thereafter.
In addition to dancing, Branden is a professional drummer, has toured extensively playing shows across the globe and is multilingual with fluency in Spanish.
(Instructor: Salsa)
Branden began dancing salsa in 2010. Training in New York with Eddie Torres, Franklin Diaz, Ismael Otero and many more he has a deep understanding of salsa, on2 and on1, timing, music and technique.
When Branden moved to Portland in 2015, he promptly connected with Carolina and Jamal at Vmac to continue to study salsa on2 with a focus on social dancing. He joined the salsa on2 performance team and became team captain after one year of training and began teaching shortly thereafter.
In addition to dancing, Branden is a professional drummer, has toured extensively playing shows across the globe and is multilingual with fluency in Spanish.
Tara Blackman
(Instructor: Salsa)
Tara joined VMAC in 2015 and has since been immersed in the world of salsa. She has trained in New York, the epicenter of salsa, and internationally. With a profound passion for salsa music, dance, and culture, she is well-versed in both On1 and On2 timings and both lead and follow roles. Tara's teaching philosophy centers on the art of social dancing, emphasizing lead and follow technique as well as the rich history that makes salsa a vibrant and community-driven experience. In addition to teaching salsa classes, Tara enjoys engaging with Portland's salsa community through performing, directing teams, and social dancing. Join Tara on a journey to master the rhythms of salsa and become a more confident and expressive dancer!
(Instructor: Salsa)
Tara joined VMAC in 2015 and has since been immersed in the world of salsa. She has trained in New York, the epicenter of salsa, and internationally. With a profound passion for salsa music, dance, and culture, she is well-versed in both On1 and On2 timings and both lead and follow roles. Tara's teaching philosophy centers on the art of social dancing, emphasizing lead and follow technique as well as the rich history that makes salsa a vibrant and community-driven experience. In addition to teaching salsa classes, Tara enjoys engaging with Portland's salsa community through performing, directing teams, and social dancing. Join Tara on a journey to master the rhythms of salsa and become a more confident and expressive dancer!
DonnaMation
(Instructor: House, Hustle, Samba No Pe, Samba Reggae)
Donna Mation; dancer, choreographer, percussionist, and educator, is the artistic director and choreographer for Bang Bang Boogie and Vivan Los Elementos. Donna Mation specializes in club and street dances from the USA including, Hustle, House, and Popping, as well as sacred and secular dances of Cuba and Brazil. Donna has danced most of her life and began her career in music and dance in 1999, which has brought her to teach and perform in various places around the world with renowned artists including Rennie Harris Pure Movement, Wyclef Jean, Pink Martini, Black Angel, Bata Ketu, and Jujuba.
As a teacher, Donna is known for her enthusiasm, passion, and respect for the origins of the culture and styles of dances she shares. Her classes are fun, challenging and educational, not just about movement but history as well. Donna encourages and supports her students to connect with the music while embodying movement through their felt sense. In addition to dance Donna is also a Personal Coach and a CranioSacral Therapist.
(Instructor: House, Hustle, Samba No Pe, Samba Reggae)
Donna Mation; dancer, choreographer, percussionist, and educator, is the artistic director and choreographer for Bang Bang Boogie and Vivan Los Elementos. Donna Mation specializes in club and street dances from the USA including, Hustle, House, and Popping, as well as sacred and secular dances of Cuba and Brazil. Donna has danced most of her life and began her career in music and dance in 1999, which has brought her to teach and perform in various places around the world with renowned artists including Rennie Harris Pure Movement, Wyclef Jean, Pink Martini, Black Angel, Bata Ketu, and Jujuba.
As a teacher, Donna is known for her enthusiasm, passion, and respect for the origins of the culture and styles of dances she shares. Her classes are fun, challenging and educational, not just about movement but history as well. Donna encourages and supports her students to connect with the music while embodying movement through their felt sense. In addition to dance Donna is also a Personal Coach and a CranioSacral Therapist.
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
Diana Esquerra
(Instructor: Reggaeton)
Diana’s teaching style prioritizes self expression and community encouragement. Her classes are always filled with joy, support, laughter, and fun! She encourages her students to explore how their own bodies move that day, and to find their own movement voice. Sharing in movement expression is one of Diana’s greatest joys. Diana Esquerra is a multi-disciplinary artist specializing in movement, expression, and the ways energy can influence our lives. She comes from California with a mixed American background with predominantly Mexican and Italian ancestry. Diana grew up dancing before she could walk. She was first introduced to structured dance classes through Ballet Folklorico as a child and young teen. Later in life, while receiving her Bachelor’s in Dance Performance from San Francisco State University, Diana also received classical training in Ballet, Jazz, and Modern techniques. Since then she has professionally performed various dance styles like Samba, Salsa, and Afro-contemporary, and has taught various classes like Zumba, Dance Fitness, Bachata, Sensual Movement, Reggaeton, and Perreo.
(Instructor: Reggaeton)
Diana’s teaching style prioritizes self expression and community encouragement. Her classes are always filled with joy, support, laughter, and fun! She encourages her students to explore how their own bodies move that day, and to find their own movement voice. Sharing in movement expression is one of Diana’s greatest joys. Diana Esquerra is a multi-disciplinary artist specializing in movement, expression, and the ways energy can influence our lives. She comes from California with a mixed American background with predominantly Mexican and Italian ancestry. Diana grew up dancing before she could walk. She was first introduced to structured dance classes through Ballet Folklorico as a child and young teen. Later in life, while receiving her Bachelor’s in Dance Performance from San Francisco State University, Diana also received classical training in Ballet, Jazz, and Modern techniques. Since then she has professionally performed various dance styles like Samba, Salsa, and Afro-contemporary, and has taught various classes like Zumba, Dance Fitness, Bachata, Sensual Movement, Reggaeton, and Perreo.
Prashant Kakad
(Instructor: Bollywood)
Originally from Mumbai, India, Prashant is an ex-Intel engineer turned Choreographer and DJ based out of Portland, Oregon. He founded Jai Ho! Dance Party in 2010 and Dance United in 2017, and tours them at nightclubs across the US on a regular basis.
(Instructor: Bollywood)
Originally from Mumbai, India, Prashant is an ex-Intel engineer turned Choreographer and DJ based out of Portland, Oregon. He founded Jai Ho! Dance Party in 2010 and Dance United in 2017, and tours them at nightclubs across the US on a regular basis.
Sadee Terwort
(Instructor: Sexy Heels)
Hello! I'm Sadee, a passionate dancer from Kansas, immersed in the world of movement since the age of 6. Specializing in heels, I embrace my sensual side and take joy in hyping others up, fostering a space where everyone feels comfortable in their own skin. Join me on this dance journey!
(Instructor: Sexy Heels)
Hello! I'm Sadee, a passionate dancer from Kansas, immersed in the world of movement since the age of 6. Specializing in heels, I embrace my sensual side and take joy in hyping others up, fostering a space where everyone feels comfortable in their own skin. Join me on this dance journey!
Angel
(Instructor: Hip Hop Choreo)
Angel is an Educator who at a very young age has always been immersed in the culture of dance. Angel is a self taught dancer and choreographer who has worked as a Dance Instructor at schools/colleges and studios. Since then, she has been a freelance Dancer/Movement Artist working with private clients for events such as music artists on their shows, tours and music videos.
(Instructor: Hip Hop Choreo)
Angel is an Educator who at a very young age has always been immersed in the culture of dance. Angel is a self taught dancer and choreographer who has worked as a Dance Instructor at schools/colleges and studios. Since then, she has been a freelance Dancer/Movement Artist working with private clients for events such as music artists on their shows, tours and music videos.
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 Brazilian dance instructor with over twelve years of teaching experience. He specializes in bringing Brazilian joy to his dances. As a member of Grupo Embalanco, from Araraquara - Brazil, Adayl has participated, taught, and performed at dance festivals and congresses throughout Brazil and around the world. His training background and personal inspirations include masters Brenda, Bruno G and Raiza, Paulo and Luiza. Adayl’s teaching technique focuses on partner connection, clean fundamentals, flow, incorporating body movements, and a great deal of musicality into the dance.
(Instructor: Brazilan Zouk)
Adayl (He/Him) is a Brazilian dance instructor with over twelve years of teaching experience. He specializes in bringing Brazilian joy to his dances. As a member of Grupo Embalanco, from Araraquara - Brazil, Adayl has participated, taught, and performed at dance festivals and congresses throughout Brazil and around the world. His training background and personal inspirations include masters Brenda, Bruno G and Raiza, Paulo and Luiza. Adayl’s teaching technique focuses on partner connection, clean fundamentals, flow, incorporating body movements, and a great deal of musicality into the dance.
