Move.
Dance.
Flow.
Evelyn Lopez
Evelyn is one of the most sought-after Brazilian Zouk artists and dance instructors in the world.
She is born in Transylvania (Romania), grew up in the Netherlands and currently living in California USA.
Evelyn’s dance is a captivating blend of artistry, precision, and soulful expression. Her movements flow effortlessly, embodying grace and power in equal measure. With a unique ability to weave emotion into every step, Evelyn transforms dance into a storytelling experience that resonates deeply with her audience.
As a dancer, Evelyn brings not only skill but also passion, authenticity, and a deep connection to the music and her audience. Her dance is more than a performance, it’s an invitation to feel, connect, and be inspired.
According to Evelyn, dancing Zouk is, "Surrendering in the moment with a balanced mental and physical state, combining creativity through inner-beauty, while existing in harmony with the music”.
Her talents inspire dancers around the world to express their dance from their souls coming from an unconditional love for the ‘self’ and for others.
Derrick Lopez
Before stepping into the world of Brazilian Zouk alongside his wife, Evelyn, Derrick’s heart belonged to the raw, expressive energy of solo dance.
His roots run deep in B-Boying (Breaking) and House dancing, where movement becomes a language of storytelling and rhythm. Born in Hawaii, Derrick is one of the original members of the 808 Breakers and a part of the Soulshifters Crew, a collective that embodies the artistry of urban Hip Hop. His dance is deeply influenced by improvisation, musicality, creativity, and showmanship, elements that bring movement to life in its most authentic form.
Beyond the foundation of dance, Derrick’s inspiration comes from nature itself. Growing up in Hawaii, he observed the way the ocean moves, the way the wind weaves through the trees, and how people interact with the land and one another. This connection to nature breathes through his movement, giving his dance a fluidity that feels both grounded and limitless.
Evelyn, his wife and dance partner, introduced him to the world of Brazilian Zouk, and together, they’ve been teaching and growing in this dance since 2017.
Their journey is one of discovery, finding echoes of familiar movement in new forms and allowing creativity to flow freely. For them, dance isn’t just about steps; it’s about emotion, energy, and the way two people move through space and time as one.
As an instructor, Derrick’s mission is to inspire others to dance with honesty, intention, and heart. He believes in honoring the roots of movement while embracing evolution, blending tradition with innovation, technique with feeling. Whether in the studio or on the dance floor, his goal is to help dancers find their own voice through movement and to experience the joy of expressing their truest selves.
Evelyn and Derrick Lopez are a dynamic teaching duo known for their heartfelt approach to Brazilian Zouk and soulful movement. Together, they bring a blend of artistry, musicality, and authentic expression that inspires dancers across the world.
Evelyn, born in Transylvania and raised in the Netherlands, is internationally recognized for her deep artistry and emotional presence in dance. Since discovering Brazilian Zouk in 2006, she has dedicated her life to exploring its expressions and guiding students to move with confidence, inner beauty, and creative flow. Her teaching is rooted in connection, to the music, to the body, and to the self.
Derrick, originally from Hawaii, carries the rhythm and spirit of B-Boying, House, and Hip Hop in his movement. His dance is shaped by improvisation, nature, and the fluid energy of the islands. Since stepping into Zouk with Evelyn in 2017, he has blended his urban roots with the artistry of partner dance, creating a style that is grounded, expressive, and full of life.
Together, Evelyn & Derrick create a warm, welcoming atmosphere where dancers are encouraged to explore, feel, and express freely. Their classes invite you to move with intention, embrace your own power, and experience the beauty of dancing from the heart.
