About Our Studio
We desire to inspire our dancers to work hard, dedicate themselves mentally and physically, commit fully to the development of their dance education, persevere through challenging times and to trust their teachers and mentors to develop them into beautiful, strong and educated dancers both on a physical level and in an intellectual level.
Mission Statement
Waves of Motion Dance Center prides itself on offering an exceptional and educational dance experience. Every student will grow their love for dance in an inspiring, encouraging, and nurturing environment. In return, this will feed their passion and awaken the artist in every child. Whether a student decides to pursue dance or a different career, Waves of Motion will instill lifelong qualities such as self-confidence, creativity, and collaboration, which are necessary to achieve their future endeavors.
About the Owner/artistic director
Miss Raquel
Miss Raquel is a New Jersey native and proud resident of East Brunswick. She earned her degree in Dance from Rutgers University, where she had the opportunity to study under acclaimed professionals including Reagan Wood Sanders, John Evans, Jeff Friedman, and Julia Ritter. She furthered her training with talented instructors at New York City’s renowned Broadway Dance Center. While completing her undergraduate credits at Middlesex College under the guidance of Aimee Mitacchione, Miss Raquel was honored with the “Most Promising Dancer” Award at the Dean’s Tea Ceremony. With more than 30 years of dance experience, Miss Raquel’s passion for teaching began at just 13 years old when she became a teacher assistant. By the age of 18, she was teaching her own classes and has since shared her knowledge and passion with dancers at studios throughout New Jersey.
Miss Raquel is the Owner and Artistic Director of Waves of Motion Dance Center. Under her leadership, the studio has achieved numerous accolades, including being named National Champions at the 2025 True Talent National Competition. Waves of Motion earned 1st Place in the Junior Solo, Junior & Teen Duet/Trio, Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Production Group divisions. Her choreography has received numerous top awards, while Waves of Motion has also earned special recognitions including the Sportsmanship Award at various competitions, The Heart Award from HEAT, and two ADCC Awards from Breakout. Dancers from the studio have also earned individual titles, including Miss Jr. True Talent, Miss Teen True Talent, Miss Senior True Talent.
For Miss Raquel, dance is about so much more than technique and performance. She treats her dancers as if they were her own children and takes great pride in creating a studio environment where dancers and families feel supported, valued, and at home. Her goal is to make Waves of Motion feel like a second home to every family who walks through its doors. Miss Raquel is the proud mother of three children, Aidan, Savannah, and Julianna and is supported by her husband and Director of Waves of Motion, Gilberto Simao. In June 2026, she proudly celebrated 10 years with Waves of Motion Dance Center, marking a decade of growth, dedication, and countless memories made with her dancers and families.
As she looks toward the future, Miss Raquel remains committed to continuing to grow Waves of Motion and providing a strong foundation for dance education. She is passionate about helping young dancers develop not only as artists, but also as confident, compassionate, and resilient individuals. Through the art of dance, she strives to instill lifelong values of discipline, perseverance, teamwork, confidence, and character values that will stay with her dancers long after they leave the studio. After 10 years of building Waves of Motion into a place where dancers can learn, grow, and feel at home, Miss Raquel looks forward to the many more years, memories, and accomplishments still to come.