Reviews of Vitalidad Movement Arts & Events Center (VMAC) (Dance School)

Saba Saleem

VMAC is a loving, accepting space for all that come through the door. The instructors are incredibly welcoming, very patient with all, and take the time to break the movements down. I walked in through the door over three years ago and have not left the place since. It's my second home.

Megan Grace

This place has a magic that is hard to describe, but you cannot help but feel it. From the front desk staff that welcome you with care, to instructors that are phenomenal in their style, this place is an oasis in the busy race of everyday life. I cannot wait to come and see my friends and grow as a dancer each time I come to class. I feel comfortable trying new styles and asking questions; so so important! The owners are concerned with making it a space that everyone who enters feels comfortable, I love their emphasis on creating a safe space for all. So much VMAC love

Jenna Richwine

I am 30 years old and grew up dancing, but it's been a long while since I've taken a class. Dancing has always been on my mind, and through a mutual friend I ended up in a class taught by Diana Esquerra, and now I'm hooked. She is AMAZING! I've consistently taken two types of dance classes with Diana - a dance fitness class and my FAVORITE, a sensual movement class. Diana is a fun and encouraging teacher who lets her students embrace the dance moves in their own unique way. There is no pressure for perfection in her classes...she's all about her students giving it their all and finding their own power and beauty through dance - however that may look! I followed Diana over to the VMAC's new facilities and am impressed so far. The price of $10 for a drop-in seems very reasonable with packaged deals available. The staff at the front desk are very friendly and welcoming. And the space seems to be newly renovated. The Dance Fitness class (currently every Thursday at 5:30pm) is the most fun I've had while working out. You'll FEEL THE BURN but also have the biggest smile on your face the whole time. Fun music and fun moves. I am hoping that Diana will be able to offer her Sensual Movement dance class at this space ASAP. It's seriously the best class EVER. We learn a choreographed dance across the span of 2-3 classes and while my body doesn't quote move like an MTV music video big-booty queen, I FEEL LIKE ONE! So much fun getting your 'sexy' on with women who are there only to support one another. VMAC - please hook it up with this class!

Andrew Sunada

A fun studio full beautiful people sharing their passion. Definitely worth going to.

Lita Bloom

Vitalidad offers styles of dance that are rarely or not at all offered consistently elsewhere in town, as far as I know. I was already a little obsessed with dancehall and reggaeton music and dance, so finding a place to actually learn these styles myself is amazing! Plus Afrobeat, vogue, “sexy heels”... How cool is all this??

Hannah Peterson

Vitalidad is a beautiful venue to host your wedding! Deblin was very helpful from start to finish. All communication was prompt. When we booked, tables and chairs were included in the overall price. Since it's a dance studio, the dance floor was great! The best in Portland. If you have a large guest list (we had 168 guests with 20 tables), you'll have to move tables and chairs to create the dance floor. Train tracks are right next to the venue so keep that in mind as it may interrupt your ceremony (it did for our's but our officiant was a pro and handled it well). You can use outside vendors and there's no noise ordinance so we had music going past 11 pm.

Lena Thieme

Vitalidad is a wonderful dance studio. I am a Brazilian Zouk dance instructor originally from Los Angeles, and can recognize a good social dance studio when I see and experience one. Upon substituting for some Zouk classes, providing workshops, and participating in social dance nights, I can see that Vitalidad welcomes all who is looking to have fun with all forms of social dance styles. They have talented yet humble dance instructors, focused students who enthusiastically learn, and everyone respects each other on and off the dance floor. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this wonderful studio!!!

Deblin McKnight

Not enough good things to say about this place. Carolina & Jamal go above and beyond to make each student feel like they are at home (I asked for Sugar Free Red Bull and Boom, next day, they had it!) and welcome in the community. All the instructs overall are amazing and different. With the monthly class pass you can take all of the styles of dance and aren't limited to just "Latin" styles. The upstairs studio is great for private lessons and smaller, intimate settings. Coming here is like coming home - but with dance! Highly recommended from one Salsera to all of you.

Chadsen Kat

My first Zouk lesson was here! And it was the birthplace of my love for the dance. Huge thanks to Nathalia for bringing Zouk to Portland and Carolina and Jamal for maintaining such a welcoming family environment for all of us! Top notch instruction here!

Andre Fuchs

I wanted to learn how to dance, but I had no idea how. I was about as stiff as your average gringo (no offense out there) and too clumsy to move in a way that could be considered "dancing". Well, with a quick google search Vitalidad was the first option to come up and I thought, why not? I attended a bachata class thinking it was some kind of mexican dish, oblivious to the fact that it was one of the most sesnual and romantic dances out there. My first day of class I was awed by the kindness and patience that Carolina and Jamal demonstrated and the fun that they had in class. It was a comfortable environment where I could learn how to express myself as the intimidation of social dancing was gradually unraveled. My very first day I had already learned the basic step and a fun routine that I could practice. I have been here ever since and am now comfortable on the dance floor and realizing my dream of being able to dance. I have also since learned that Bachata is not a mexican dish. Carolina and Jamal seemingly take everyone under their wing and teach them not only how to dance, but to feel and be a part of the music. If you want to feel like part of a family and learn how to dance, or get fit with the variety of yoga and fitness classes, this is the place for you. Thank you, Carolina and Jamal.

Mindy Thielges

I love attending classes, workshops, private lessons and socials at Vitalidad! The instructors make everyone feel welcome whether you want to take class as a beginner or if you want to really hone your art and skill as a dancer! The studio is clean, bright (lots of good, positive energy) and the owners and staff have hosted some world renowned pro instructors which is just incredible! I always look forward to dancing there!

Andreina Mundarain

Great variety of classes with awesome instructors. The location is easy to find and straight across the Hawthorne bridge so it's easy to get to.

Cara Bergeson

Vitalidad is the place to learn to kizomba, zouk, salsa, bachata and so much more. It is a professionally run dance studio with instructors who are knowledgeable, talented, friendly and truly care about dance and their students. From beginner to advance you will learn something in class and have fun doing so. We are so lucky to have Jamal and Carolina teaching kizomba and Nathalia teaching zouk in Portland. If you love dancing, this studio is the place.

Tango Gly

This studio is like a 2nd home! Love the environment, the staff is professional, the instruction outstanding! You will walk out feeling like a different person! My energy levels buzz from excitement every time:)

Nathalia Carbajal

I have been coming to Vitalidad Movement Arts Center since the beginning when they opened and I feel like this studio is my second home. All staff and instructors are so friendly and welcoming. The environment and energy is very positive and I couldn’t be happier with my dance growth. I really recommend Vitalidad!

Shahram Hosseinion

I’ve been a regular VMAC student for almost a year and a half now and I started at the very first Beginner Salsa class they offered. I have grown tremendously as a dancer in this time thanks to the dedication and careful attention of Carolina and Jamal. If we students are doing something wrong, they BOTH give us the helpful feedback to correct our mistakes in a sensitive, compassionate way. It’s never easy for our sensitive human egos to be told we are doing something wrong, but that’s the nature of learning. The fact that they are willing to break down every micro detail of how to do a dance move (both the right AND the wrong way) demonstrates to me their level of dedication; it is second to none. I’ve taken workshop classes with world champion dancers and Carolina and Jamal at Vitalidad Movement Arts Center (VMAC) are the best there is. I feel lucky to have discovered VMAC.

Evelyn X

Vitalidad is a beautiful Venue in the heart of Portland. The Venue offers tons of space for weddings and any type of event. We love being able to cater at this space. Deblin is amazing to work with and always very helpful!!! -Evelyn X Catering Operations Manager at As Good As It Gets Catering by Cheryls on 12th.

L NS

Vitalidad Movement Arts Center is an amazing dance studio and community space. Carolina and Jamal bring so much passion to their teaching - their love of movement in infectious. This is the only studio in Portland where you can find authentic salsa and bachata, tango, Brazilian zouk and kizomba (both new to Portland) as well as club styles like vogue and waacking. VMAC is a supportive, safe space to learn and express yourself - I'm so thankful to Carolina and Jamal for making it happen. I (re)discovered my love of dance at VMAC, and you will too.

Ian Sergeant

Great community of positive instructors. They offer a variety of dance styles, and even yoga and fitness classes!

Toby Kohlenberg

A warm welcoming community and great instructors

Sergio Bernales

Super knowledgeable, patient, and friendly instructors. Every class is a good time and insightful. Thanks for existing Vitalidad!

Daniel Giron

Great teachers, great vibes!