Hometown: Queens, New York

Raquel Lopez, the studio’s founder and creative director, has been an avid dancer for over 30 years. Beginning her training in New York and realizing her potential in Miami. During her time as a student at Southern Methodist University in Dallas Texas, Raquel founded, produced and choreographed two dance productions, entitled “Brown Bags”, receiving high praise for considerable talent and innovation. Brown Bag Showcases are still conducted and performed at SMU. She received a full scholarship to the Alvin Aliey Summer Workshop Program in New York and also appeared in “Diversion of Angels” for the Martha Grahman School of Dance. It was during this time that Raquel recognized her passion for choreography which continues to this day. Raquel spent many more years teaching at prestigious studios and helping to mold and inspire young dancers. The opening of Xpressit Dance Center in 2011 realized her lifelong dream of owning her own studio. Raquel continues to teach classes, choreograph routines and act as creative director for both the Studio and their competition team.