Vitalidad Movement Arts Center (VMAC)

I rated a 10 because I absolutely love the energy and community at the studio. The classes are always lively and full, so I never worry about not having someone to dance with. I also really appreciate how you balance the leads and follows by bringing in assistants when needed, it makes such a difference. The instructors are not only fun and entertaining, but they make a very challenging dance feel approachable and enjoyable to learn. I love the variety of class options, and I value how seriously you take the learning process by making sure we’re confident before moving up. On top of that, I feel genuinely appreciated and cared for. When I returned after being away this summer, I was welcomed back so warmly, and that meant a lot. I’ve already referred friends (and even talked with my partner about joining), and I’ll continue to recommend the studio because it’s such a special, supportive, and inspiring place to dance.

TL:DR This is a welcoming place to learn dance and have fun in equal measure. I've been taking zouk classes at Vitalidad for over a year and I love the learning environment and culture. The instructors, ambassadors, and students are welcoming and positive. The classes are big, but I like that because dancing with a lot of people is really helpful for learning faster. The social dances are fun and the instructors are always setting the tone for folks to dance across levels and help new folks feel welcome. I think most folks here are as excited to dance with someone just starting their journey as with someone who has years of experience. Big shout out to the ambassadors as well! Y'all rock!

I’ve been taking salsa at VMAC for about 8 months. So many great things to say. The instructors are phenomenal. The studio makes dance accessible to beginners, while creating a pipeline with opportunities to help you advance and become a part of the dance community - classes with thoughtfully leveled up curriculum, workshops, the ability to join the competition team, etc. Along the way they teach you about different styles of salsa music and dance and their origin. One of my favorite things about VMAC is they’re really focused on encouraging people to go social dancing - helping dancers experience what is truly the best part of learning salsa.

I absolutely love this studio! Highly recommend it. I have been taking salsa classes for about 7 months. The teachers are very fun, supportive and professional. I also love the community that they create and support. We have regular salsa socials so I can always practice my new skills in a social setting and keep improving. I especially recommend Carolina & Jamal's class and all of the ambassadors are wonderful. Come dance with us!

We are a married couple, registered to enjoy a dance class together. At the beginning of the first class we were taken aback when, without asking anyone for consent, instructors informed us that we must “rotate” because there are not enough people to lead. The description of the class did not include that we have to dance with total strangers or dance alone. Yes, a partner is not required to register. So why people who made a decision to come without a partner should be expected to dance with mine? They could be practicing with other people that came alone or with instructors. Over the years, we took classes at different studios. Never before we were put in such uncomfortable situation. They won’t refund money for the rest of the session, so we either have to count our loses or announce in class that we won’t be rotating partners. The facility is clean. Parking is difficult to find.

It's been a little over 6 months of classes at VMAC, so I thought I would update my review. I love this dance studio. I have taken level 1 and 2 classes for Bachata, Salsa, West Coast swing and Lindy Hop classes.(Currently only offering level 1) I have been to several of their socials, VMAC instructor led workshops, (the Lead and Follow workshop is a must) workshops with world renowned dancers and I take advantage of the free Practica lesson for my classes. (Level 1 is after class, level 2 is before class) I have found all of the instructors to be incredibly knowledgeable about the history and origins of the dances they are teaching. They even have a workshop/lecture for Salsa where you have the opportunity to learn the cultural origins of the dance. In the very first Lindy Hop class each month they stress the importance of preserving the cultural integrity of the dance. VMAC makes it so clear that dance is for everyone and that everyone can feel welcome in their space to learn about, explore and enjoy other cultures without the assumption of someone's role based on race or perceived gender. That level of inclusivity is a wonderful feeling in our current world where we are being constantly torn apart based on our differences instead of coming together as a global community where our differences make us stronger together. I love that the team at VMAC are also an integral part of the Portland dance community as a whole. They are out dancing at other socials around town and participate in non-VMAC led events. They encourage you to approach them to say hello or, because all of their ambassadors and instructors have Safer Dance Spaces training, to come to them in the event someone on the dance floor is making you uncomfortable. That's community. I love what you're doing VMAC. Your studio has brought me confidence, joy, fun and laughter. I'll keep coming back to dance with you! _______________________________________________ I have been having a great time at VMAC so far. I have been taking the beginners bachata and salsa classes. Of course we're all slightly awkward but I really enjoy the moderate pace of the classes and all my interactions with fellow students and teachers have been fun, relaxed and encouraging. The complimentary practica classes afterwards have been very helpful. They have a few "ambassadors" teaching the practica so you have more opportunity for one on one assistance. Some of the ambassadors are also in the classes to assist with the partner dancing. It's so helpful to have some more experienced folks helping out in class. I am really look forward to progressing in my skills and continuing classes through VMAC, but I love that it isn't a pretentious, showy, exclusive dance studio. I am learning the foundations of these beautiful dances and I feel super welcomed and comfortable learning here.

I was really disappointed with my experience at VMAC. The dance instructors seemed more focused on drama and cliques than actual teaching. As someone passionate about Latin culture, it was uncomfortable to see mostly white instructors profiting off Latin dance without showing true respect for its roots.

VMAC has been one of the most transformative spaces in my dance journey. What stands out most is how genuinely inclusive they are. Right at the front desk and in the first class of each month, they remind everyone that anyone can choose to either role of the dance: lead or follow. The studio creates a culture of open feedback and constant growth. I started as a student and now I am a bachata ambassador. The training is both rigorous and rooted in the fundamentals. Each level builds in complexity, but I still learn something new every time I retake Level 1. It is a great reminder that foundations matter at every stage. I have also seen the owners handle difficult situations with care and use them as opportunities to support the community and create a respectful space. It is clear they truly care. VMAC is more than a place to dance. It is a place to grow, and I am proud to keep growing with it.