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 a passionate and dynamic dancer, instructor, and community leader based in Portland, Oregon. She currently teaches weekly classes in Brazilian Zouk and Bachata at her home studio, VMAC, alongside her dance partner, Adayl Iost. Known for her expressive style and emphasis on connection, Deblin brings both joy and precision to the dance floor—as both a lead and a follow.
Beyond the studio, Deblin travels nationally and internationally to teach at congresses, festivals, and retreats, and is an active competitor in social dance competitions. She also serves as a judge for Brazilian Zouk Jack & Jill competitions, contributing her expertise and eye for technique, connection, and musicality.
A dedicated community builder, Deblin is the Director of Eclipse Zouk Marathon and Co-Operator of PDX Bachata, two cornerstone events in the Portland dance scene. She also curates immersive weekenders that highlight the unique artistry of guest instructors, helping bring fresh perspectives and inspiration to the local community. In addition to organizing and performing, Deblin is passionate about mentoring and empowering other artists, working to grow an inclusive and vibrant dance ecosystem in Portland.
Follow her journey on Instagram: @deblinmcknight
(Instructor: Bachata, Zouk, Salsa)
Deblin McKnight is a passionate and dynamic dancer, instructor, and community leader based in Portland, Oregon. She currently teaches weekly classes in Brazilian Zouk and Bachata at her home studio, VMAC, alongside her dance partner, Adayl Iost. Known for her expressive style and emphasis on connection, Deblin brings both joy and precision to the dance floor—as both a lead and a follow.
Beyond the studio, Deblin travels nationally and internationally to teach at congresses, festivals, and retreats, and is an active competitor in social dance competitions. She also serves as a judge for Brazilian Zouk Jack & Jill competitions, contributing her expertise and eye for technique, connection, and musicality.
A dedicated community builder, Deblin is the Director of Eclipse Zouk Marathon and Co-Operator of PDX Bachata, two cornerstone events in the Portland dance scene. She also curates immersive weekenders that highlight the unique artistry of guest instructors, helping bring fresh perspectives and inspiration to the local community. In addition to organizing and performing, Deblin is passionate about mentoring and empowering other artists, working to grow an inclusive and vibrant dance ecosystem in Portland.
Follow her journey on Instagram: @deblinmcknight
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 has been immersed in the Portland salsa scene since 2015. She began her training under the mentorship of Carolina and Jamal Rahima at Vitalidad Movement Arts Center and continued growing in New York's vibrant salsa scene. With a profound passion for salsa music, dance, and culture, she is well-versed in both lead and follow roles. Tara currently dances and performs with On2ourage Dance Company based in Los Angeles, Miraqui Dance Company, directed by Natasha Tia, and teaches, choreographs, and performs at VMAC in Portland, Oregon.
Tara's teaching philosophy centers on the art of social dancing, emphasizing lead and follow connection as well as the rich history that makes salsa a 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!
Link to IG @t.e.blackman
(Instructor: Salsa)
Tara has been immersed in the Portland salsa scene since 2015. She began her training under the mentorship of Carolina and Jamal Rahima at Vitalidad Movement Arts Center and continued growing in New York's vibrant salsa scene. With a profound passion for salsa music, dance, and culture, she is well-versed in both lead and follow roles. Tara currently dances and performs with On2ourage Dance Company based in Los Angeles, Miraqui Dance Company, directed by Natasha Tia, and teaches, choreographs, and performs at VMAC in Portland, Oregon.
Tara's teaching philosophy centers on the art of social dancing, emphasizing lead and follow connection as well as the rich history that makes salsa a 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!
Link to IG @t.e.blackman
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
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 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.
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Akela Jaffi
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