[2][3] As a soloist and principal dancer with New York City Ballet, she danced for two legends of the art form, George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins, performing countless featured roles, including Violin Concerto, Firebird, The Prodigal Son, Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.

Lopez's great interest in children also found her writing and contributing to many of the company's family matinee series.

She even appeared with Jock Soto in some Sesame Street segments such as demonstrating cooperation with Elmo and Zoe.

In 2002, Lopez became the executive director of The George Balanchine Foundation, which works to educate the public about dance and to further the art of ballet, with a special emphasis on the work and achievements of George Balanchine, whom she spent her career dancing with.

[6] Following a five-month search, in September 2012, an 11-member committee chose Lopez, among 35 candidates considered,[7] to be the artistic director of the Miami City Ballet.

Yet in terms of heading organizations, women haven't had a very visible position within a dance company.

She has also served as a dance panelist for the National Endowment for the Arts, and has received numerous Hispanic Heritage awards.