Vitalidad Movement Arts Center (VMAC)

Vitalidad Movement Arts Center (VMAC) is a nonprofit dance studio on East Burnside in Portland, operated by Portland Cultural Dance Collective (PCDC), a registered 501(c)(3) organisation. The studio's mission is to promote happiness, vitality, and longevity through movement arts, with a focus on cultural education, community building, and equitable access. VMAC is committed to making dance accessible to all ages, backgrounds, and income levels, with a Financial Assistance Form available for those who need it. BIPOC students are prioritised to ensure accessibility.

The studio teaches a wide range of partner dances including Salsa (On2 style), Bachata, Brazilian Zouk, Casino, Balboa, Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing, and Kizomba. Solo styles offered include Bellydance, Breaking, Funk/CampbellLock, Hip Hop, KPOP, Sexy Heels, Vogue, and Jazz. Classes are structured as monthly units (most partner classes such as Beginners Salsa, Bachata, and Zouk start on the first week of every calendar month) or drop-in sessions depending on style. Private lessons are available by appointment with instructors specialising in specific styles.

VMAC's teaching staff includes co-founders Carolina Rahima and Jamal Rahima, both accomplished performers with international competition and teaching experience. Carolina started dancing Salsa in 2003, performed with the Portland Salseras and Seduced by Clave, and trained with Caribbean Soul Dance Team on major salsa stages including the LA and NY Congresses. Jamal began dancing Salsa in 2002 in Portland, won several local Jack and Jill competitions, and is known for body movement influenced by Afro-Cuban and Hip Hop styles. Other instructors include Deblin McKnight (Bachata, Zouk, Salsa) who teaches nationally and internationally and directs the Eclipse Zouk Marathon; Adayl Iost (Brazilian Zouk), a seasoned instructor with over fourteen years of international experience originally from Brazil; Elinore Eden Edge (Bellydance), professionally dancing since 2001 and head house dancer at Marrakesh Restaurant in Portland; Carlie and Chris (West Coast Swing); Tristan Gomez (Lindy Hop, Balboa); Latroy Robinson (Vogue); and Nicki (KPOP and Hip Hop) with over 15 years of dance experience.

Pricing includes drop-in passes at $20 per class for styles like Hip Hop, Vogue, and Breakdance; 5-class punch cards ($90, 2-month expiration) and 10-class cards ($170, 6-month expiration) for flexible multi-class learning; 4-week and 5-week cycle passes ($75–$93) for month-long unit classes; and unlimited memberships ($239) for Salsa & Bachata or Bachata & Zouk combinations, which include entrance to VMAC Sunday Socials. Workshops range from $30–$55 presale depending on length. Private lesson pricing varies by instructor. All passes are non-transferable and non-refundable.

VMAC runs regular special events and workshops, including Dominican Bachata workshops, Zouk weekenders featuring world champions, Bachata weekenders with Jack & Jill competitions, and social dance connection weekends. The studio also hosts VMAC NextGen, a non-competitive youth programme for children from 18 months to teens in Hip Hop, KPOP, Latin Dance, Jazz, Ballet, Breaking, and more, running on a 2026–2027 season from September 16, 2026 to June 6, 2027. Studio rental is available for private events or group use.

Drop-in classes and monthly units both welcome newcomers. For partner dances, expect to rotate with different partners throughout the class to develop both lead and follow skills. You can wear comfortable clothing and shoes without special dance footwear as a beginner. Register online via their MindBody system or by phone.

Co-founders Carolina and Jamal Rahima teach Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, and Cha Cha Cha, with international competition and performance experience. Deblin McKnight teaches Bachata, Zouk, and Salsa and directs the Eclipse Zouk Marathon. Adayl Iost, from Brazil with fourteen years of international teaching experience, specialises in Brazilian Zouk. Elinore Eden Edge, a professional bellydancer since 2001, teaches Bellydance and specialises in prop work. Carlie and Chris teach West Coast Swing; Tristan Gomez teaches Lindy Hop and Balboa; Latroy Robinson teaches Vogue; Nicki teaches KPOP and Hip Hop with over 15 years of experience.

Beginners are welcome in monthly unit classes and drop-in sessions; no dance experience or partner required, as classes rotate you with different partners.