Carolina Rahima 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 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.
Jamal Rahima 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 - Owner/Instructor Bachata, Salsa, Zouk
Deblin McKnight is one of the co-owners at Vitalidad and lives for dance. In addition to teaching Bachata, Zouk & Salsa Deblin is a board member of the Rose City Salsa & Timba Festival, LambaFest and Co-Owner of PDX Bachata. She enjoys teaching, training and hiring other amazing artists to grow the community in Portland.
Deblin found Vitalidad shortly after it opened and immediately fell in love with On2 Salsa, taught by Carolina & Jamal. She quickly joined the teams at VMAC and continued to strive on and off the stage. In 2018 she began teaching Salsa & Bachata at Vitalidad.
Deblin has also fallen in love with Zouk and teaches & trains in Modern Zouk. She founded Zouk PDX Productions with a famous Zouk dancer, of which brings major Zouk artists from around the world to Portland as well as LambaFest, the first Lambada focused Zouk Festival in the US.
Deblin McKnight is one of the co-owners at Vitalidad and lives for dance. In addition to teaching Bachata, Zouk & Salsa Deblin is a board member of the Rose City Salsa & Timba Festival, LambaFest and Co-Owner of PDX Bachata. She enjoys teaching, training and hiring other amazing artists to grow the community in Portland.
Deblin found Vitalidad shortly after it opened and immediately fell in love with On2 Salsa, taught by Carolina & Jamal. She quickly joined the teams at VMAC and continued to strive on and off the stage. In 2018 she began teaching Salsa & Bachata at Vitalidad.
Deblin has also fallen in love with Zouk and teaches & trains in Modern Zouk. She founded Zouk PDX Productions with a famous Zouk dancer, of which brings major Zouk artists from around the world to Portland as well as LambaFest, the first Lambada focused Zouk Festival in the US.
Bruce Smith - 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."
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.
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 - 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 - Bollywood 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 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 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.
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.
Donna Oefinger - Instructor House, Popping
Donna Mation, performance artist, choreographer, and educator, is the
artistic director and choreographer for Axé Didé Afro-Cuban and Brazilian
Music and Dance Co., and Bang Bang Boogie. DonnaMation specializes in
club and street dances from the USA including, Hustle, House, Popping, and
Hip Hop as well as sacred and secular dances of Cuba and Brazil. She has
performed and taught in various places around the world. Donna has
danced most of her life and began her career as a performer and educator
of dance in 1999.
Donna’s love of both the deeply rooted sublime dances of the Orisha as
well as the infectious groove of street dance from the U.S. has led her to a
creative process combining the rich culture of hip hop with the intricate
movements of Afro-Cuban dance: Afro-Cuban Hip Hop. In Portland, she has
developed a university-level course “From Mambo to House” that
investigates the connection and lineage from Cuban Rumba through salsa,
hip-hop and house dance. When she is not on the road teaching, learning,
or performing, Donna offers Full length themed production’s and small
shows as well as community classes at various studios in Portland OR and
credited courses at local colleges and universities.
As an Artist Donna is appreciated for her vibrant presence and ability to create a verity of feelings within the audience. Donna has performed in
many awesome groups as a dancer, director, and percussionist including Rennie Harris Pure Movement, Omo Ire, Jujuba, The Lions of Batucada,
New Lineage, and Black Angel. As the artistic of Axé Didé, Donna masterfully combines rhythms and dances mainly from Cuba and Brazil, but
also from the diverse lineages of the African Diaspora. As a teacher, Donna is known for her enthusiasm, passion, and respect for
the origins of the many styles of dances she shares. Her classes are an education in history as well as a challenging workout for people with all
levels of experience. Donna inspires and supports her students to further embody movements and understand story telling through character, not just imitate form.
Donna studied at the Univeristy of Matanzas Cuba with Grupo Afro-Cuba and Los Muñequitos de Matansas after being introduced to Cuban Folklore by Teresita Domé Perez in 1997, who later became one of Donna’s mentors. Donna later studied extensively with Juan de Dios, director of the world renoun group Raices Profundas of Havana Cuba. Donna’s interest in Orisha/Orixa dance led her to intensive studies with Jorge Alabe and Rosangela Sivelstre in Brazil. Donna performed as a principal dancer with Juan de Dios, director of Raices
Profundas, and Miguel Bernal, former lead percussionist of Raises Profundas, in their USA based group Omo Ire. She has also had the great
opportunity to perform with Jorge Alabé in several performances, and worked as a performer and choreographer in a show with the world
renowned creators of Bata Ketu, Michael Spiro and Mark Lampson.
Donna Mation, performance artist, choreographer, and educator, is the
artistic director and choreographer for Axé Didé Afro-Cuban and Brazilian
Music and Dance Co., and Bang Bang Boogie. DonnaMation specializes in
club and street dances from the USA including, Hustle, House, Popping, and
Hip Hop as well as sacred and secular dances of Cuba and Brazil. She has
performed and taught in various places around the world. Donna has
danced most of her life and began her career as a performer and educator
of dance in 1999.
Donna’s love of both the deeply rooted sublime dances of the Orisha as
well as the infectious groove of street dance from the U.S. has led her to a
creative process combining the rich culture of hip hop with the intricate
movements of Afro-Cuban dance: Afro-Cuban Hip Hop. In Portland, she has
developed a university-level course “From Mambo to House” that
investigates the connection and lineage from Cuban Rumba through salsa,
hip-hop and house dance. When she is not on the road teaching, learning,
or performing, Donna offers Full length themed production’s and small
shows as well as community classes at various studios in Portland OR and
credited courses at local colleges and universities.
As an Artist Donna is appreciated for her vibrant presence and ability to create a verity of feelings within the audience. Donna has performed in
many awesome groups as a dancer, director, and percussionist including Rennie Harris Pure Movement, Omo Ire, Jujuba, The Lions of Batucada,
New Lineage, and Black Angel. As the artistic of Axé Didé, Donna masterfully combines rhythms and dances mainly from Cuba and Brazil, but
also from the diverse lineages of the African Diaspora. As a teacher, Donna is known for her enthusiasm, passion, and respect for
the origins of the many styles of dances she shares. Her classes are an education in history as well as a challenging workout for people with all
levels of experience. Donna inspires and supports her students to further embody movements and understand story telling through character, not just imitate form.
Donna studied at the Univeristy of Matanzas Cuba with Grupo Afro-Cuba and Los Muñequitos de Matansas after being introduced to Cuban Folklore by Teresita Domé Perez in 1997, who later became one of Donna’s mentors. Donna later studied extensively with Juan de Dios, director of the world renoun group Raices Profundas of Havana Cuba. Donna’s interest in Orisha/Orixa dance led her to intensive studies with Jorge Alabe and Rosangela Sivelstre in Brazil. Donna performed as a principal dancer with Juan de Dios, director of Raices
Profundas, and Miguel Bernal, former lead percussionist of Raises Profundas, in their USA based group Omo Ire. She has also had the great
opportunity to perform with Jorge Alabé in several performances, and worked as a performer and choreographer in a show with the world
renowned creators of Bata Ketu, Michael Spiro and Mark Lampson.
Tyler Barker- Instructor Krump
Tomb aka Kid Avenue is a professional Krump Dancer from Portland, Oregon. Originally from South Africa, he has traveled the world and incorporates flavors from multiple styles into his dance. Best known for his competitive dance battle career, he has also taught and performed at multiple festivals across the U.S. like Oregon Eclipse Festival, Paradiso, and What the Fest.
Tomb aka Kid Avenue is a professional Krump Dancer from Portland, Oregon. Originally from South Africa, he has traveled the world and incorporates flavors from multiple styles into his dance. Best known for his competitive dance battle career, he has also taught and performed at multiple festivals across the U.S. like Oregon Eclipse Festival, Paradiso, and What the Fest.
Durante Lambert - Jazz Funk
A native of Portland, Oregon, Durante Lambert, first got the urge to become a professional dancer and choreographer at the age of 12 when he became a principle dancer for the Northwest Afrikan American Ballet (NWAAB) under the Artistic Direction of Bruce Smith. For 7 years he traveled throughout the US and Europe performing and sharing their art. NWAAB gave Durante the opportunity to perform a month long tour in Edinburgh, Scotland at the Fringe Festival.
Now this accomplished dancer/choreographer still uses the creativity and individualism he gained with NWAAB as inspiration to create and share through dance. In 2000-2001, Durante was also part of the famed Jefferson Dancers in Portland, under the Artistic Direction of Steve Gonzales; where he traveled across the country performing and training in Ballet, Jazz, African and Modern with some of the top choreographers in the world. Durante also danced for WNBA Portland Fire Jam Squad & Portland Trail Blazers Hip Hop Squad and is currently dancing for Portland Trail Blazers “Rip City Crew”.
Durante has trained in Los Angeles, CA with many well known choreographers and was also selected to debut his Choreographic work at the famous Carnival Choreographer’s Ball.
Durante’s first love is his dance company, LYFE Dance Company, formally known as The Detail. As the Artistic Director for LYFE, he continues creating and choreographing energetic and exciting pieces that are performed for a wide range of audiences.
In 2000 he began with “Urban Shock,” and then co-founded “Portland Dance Project” with Trent Barry in 2003. In 2005 The Detail would shape and perform throughout the pacific Northwest and California. In 2014 LYFE Dance Company was born, debuting "Delirium" at The Imago Theatre. With continuous love and support from friends and family, Durante has taken LYFE Dance Company on an ever evolving journey providing incredible performances and learning opportunities/experiences for his dancers. Durante shares his insane drive with his company and students, always supporting their success. His dedication fills studios and auditions with the amazing dancers featured in his shows. You can find him teaching classes and choreographing all over the Northwest.
Durante continues dancing, choreographing and providing inspired dancers a chance to perform and express through movement.
A native of Portland, Oregon, Durante Lambert, first got the urge to become a professional dancer and choreographer at the age of 12 when he became a principle dancer for the Northwest Afrikan American Ballet (NWAAB) under the Artistic Direction of Bruce Smith. For 7 years he traveled throughout the US and Europe performing and sharing their art. NWAAB gave Durante the opportunity to perform a month long tour in Edinburgh, Scotland at the Fringe Festival.
Now this accomplished dancer/choreographer still uses the creativity and individualism he gained with NWAAB as inspiration to create and share through dance. In 2000-2001, Durante was also part of the famed Jefferson Dancers in Portland, under the Artistic Direction of Steve Gonzales; where he traveled across the country performing and training in Ballet, Jazz, African and Modern with some of the top choreographers in the world. Durante also danced for WNBA Portland Fire Jam Squad & Portland Trail Blazers Hip Hop Squad and is currently dancing for Portland Trail Blazers “Rip City Crew”.
Durante has trained in Los Angeles, CA with many well known choreographers and was also selected to debut his Choreographic work at the famous Carnival Choreographer’s Ball.
Durante’s first love is his dance company, LYFE Dance Company, formally known as The Detail. As the Artistic Director for LYFE, he continues creating and choreographing energetic and exciting pieces that are performed for a wide range of audiences.
In 2000 he began with “Urban Shock,” and then co-founded “Portland Dance Project” with Trent Barry in 2003. In 2005 The Detail would shape and perform throughout the pacific Northwest and California. In 2014 LYFE Dance Company was born, debuting "Delirium" at The Imago Theatre. With continuous love and support from friends and family, Durante has taken LYFE Dance Company on an ever evolving journey providing incredible performances and learning opportunities/experiences for his dancers. Durante shares his insane drive with his company and students, always supporting their success. His dedication fills studios and auditions with the amazing dancers featured in his shows. You can find him teaching classes and choreographing all over the Northwest.
Durante continues dancing, choreographing and providing inspired dancers a chance to perform and express through movement.
Ogochimere Ezendokwere - Afrobeat
Ogo is a Nigerian dancer, choreographer, performer and dance instructor well versed in afrobeat dance (Modern African dance). She has years of dancing as part of dance teams, and performing in colleges and universities. She has also performed at weddings, parties, conferences, and a few other events. Ogo has taught several adult afrobeat classes, and one on one dance sessions. Ogo loves dancing, and entertaining people with her dance skills. She also hopes to make dance as simple as possible for everyone and anyone to learn. Ogo plans to learn different styles of dance, and bring people together with dance.
Ogo is a Nigerian dancer, choreographer, performer and dance instructor well versed in afrobeat dance (Modern African dance). She has years of dancing as part of dance teams, and performing in colleges and universities. She has also performed at weddings, parties, conferences, and a few other events. Ogo has taught several adult afrobeat classes, and one on one dance sessions. Ogo loves dancing, and entertaining people with her dance skills. She also hopes to make dance as simple as possible for everyone and anyone to learn. Ogo plans to learn different styles of dance, and bring people together with dance.
Brad Quiseng - Locking & Breaking
Born and raised in Maui, Hawaii Brad represents Art of Bot and Lost Bots. While getting in to dance through the style of Popping, he branched out into Locking and Breaking at the age of 19. Although a performer at heart, Brad has battled throughout the islands of Hawaii and the West coast, in cities such as LA, San Diego, Seattle, San Francisco, and Portland. His style of dance is always centered around entertaining the crowd and having fun. He believes the most important aspect of Hip hop/dance Culture is building a community where people can share a safe space and while having fun and growing together.
Born and raised in Maui, Hawaii Brad represents Art of Bot and Lost Bots. While getting in to dance through the style of Popping, he branched out into Locking and Breaking at the age of 19. Although a performer at heart, Brad has battled throughout the islands of Hawaii and the West coast, in cities such as LA, San Diego, Seattle, San Francisco, and Portland. His style of dance is always centered around entertaining the crowd and having fun. He believes the most important aspect of Hip hop/dance Culture is building a community where people can share a safe space and while having fun and growing together.
Diana Esquerra - Reggaetón
Bay Area transplant, Diana Esquerra (Radiant Womyn), is the Latina womyn who is igniting Portland’s Reggaetón dance scene. She teaches classes that combine her passion for dance and performance with her love for Reggaetón music. She aims to shake people up by exposing them to the infectious rhythms and movements of her childhood. Diana has created spaces in her classes where all people can be challenged, seen in their self expression, and enjoy the freedom and empowerment that comes with dancing Reggaetón.
Bay Area transplant, Diana Esquerra (Radiant Womyn), is the Latina womyn who is igniting Portland’s Reggaetón dance scene. She teaches classes that combine her passion for dance and performance with her love for Reggaetón music. She aims to shake people up by exposing them to the infectious rhythms and movements of her childhood. Diana has created spaces in her classes where all people can be challenged, seen in their self expression, and enjoy the freedom and empowerment that comes with dancing Reggaetón.
Shea Alexa - Belly Dance
Shea Alexa is a multi-award winning, professional dance artist based in Salem Oregon. Shea currently performs regularly around the Pacific Northwest as a soloist, and in collaborative work with fellow dancers and musicians. Shea started her artistic journey in early childhood as a musician, and later found Middle Eastern dance at 14 years old. More information can be found at sheaalexa.com
Leaux Elstad - Street Jazz
Leaux Elstad has been a part of the Portland dance community for over 8 years. Growing up in Southern California, she was trained in ballet, jazz, and tap from age 4 until graduating high school. After moving to Portland, and a small break from dancing, she fell back in love and has never looked back. She has performed locally, nationally, and abroad for musicians and festivals. Currently, she is focusing on teaching at PCC and other local studios.
"every time I dance, I become a better version of me"
Leaux Elstad has been a part of the Portland dance community for over 8 years. Growing up in Southern California, she was trained in ballet, jazz, and tap from age 4 until graduating high school. After moving to Portland, and a small break from dancing, she fell back in love and has never looked back. She has performed locally, nationally, and abroad for musicians and festivals. Currently, she is focusing on teaching at PCC and other local studios.
"every time I dance, I become a better version of me"
Her first experience with Waacking is when she took a workshop from Kumari Suraj back in 2013 and from there she helped me to become a Waacker and most importantly taught me the history and the back ground of Waacking. Lorena V also helped me with my techniques and training to become a better Waacker and dancer.
Dance styles JuJu Nikz does are the following, Waacking, Vogue, House, and Lyrical Hip Hop... In 2015 She won a Waacking category at the Jungle Space Ship Ball and from that she’s been teaching different dance styles all over the Pacific North West. She’s done workshops, judged battles and choreographed many companies in the Pacific North West and outside of the Pacific North West. Such as 11:Dance.Co, Groove Nation, VMAC, Element Dance Studio, MVP Dance Elite, Lyfe, and many more. She’s also won other categories such as an All Styles 7-to smoke battle and won a Vogue category at the SLAY ball in Salt Lake City, Utah.
JuJu Nikz has been apart many companies such as 11:Dance.Co, House of Ada, Groove Nation and there WOD company back in 2015, MVP Dance Elite, Lyfe Dance Company... JuJu also has her own company called Mystical Creatures.
Dance styles JuJu Nikz does are the following, Waacking, Vogue, House, and Lyrical Hip Hop... In 2015 She won a Waacking category at the Jungle Space Ship Ball and from that she’s been teaching different dance styles all over the Pacific North West. She’s done workshops, judged battles and choreographed many companies in the Pacific North West and outside of the Pacific North West. Such as 11:Dance.Co, Groove Nation, VMAC, Element Dance Studio, MVP Dance Elite, Lyfe, and many more. She’s also won other categories such as an All Styles 7-to smoke battle and won a Vogue category at the SLAY ball in Salt Lake City, Utah.
JuJu Nikz has been apart many companies such as 11:Dance.Co, House of Ada, Groove Nation and there WOD company back in 2015, MVP Dance Elite, Lyfe Dance Company... JuJu also has her own company called Mystical Creatures.
