Raquel Leal Davies
- Actress
- Director
- Costume and Wardrobe Department
Born in São Paulo, Brazil, Raquel began performing on stage at the age of six and has over two decades of professional dance experience. Her extensive background spans hundreds of choreographies in classical ballet, jazz, and modern dance. Raquel received her foundational training in Brazil and the U.S., including the Regional Center for the Arts in Connecticut.
Her passion for flamenco was ignited by Brazilian flamenco master Paulo Santos, with whom she performed numerous choreographies. She later shared the stage with flamenco maestro Fabio Rodrigues. In the U.S., Raquel deepened her flamenco expertise at renowned institutions such as Fazil's and Ballet Hispánico in New York City, and further honed her skills under the mentorship of Briseyda Zarate, Katerina Tomas, Celina Zambon, and Richard Chavez in Los Angeles.
Raquel became a member of the CZ Flamenco Dance Company, directed by actress and flamenco master Celina Zambon, performing in productions such as Flamenco Loves Tango (Lobero Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza) and Andalucía and Los Angeles Del Flamenco (Morgan-Wixson Theatre, Santa Monica). She co-founded the fusion flamenco group Pasión Flamenca de Los Angeles, with which she continues to perform across Southern California, including collaborations with the Kol Sephardic Choir and solo appearances in music videos and live events.
Raquel's music video credits include performances as a lead flamenco dancer for artists such as Nick Jonas (Golden Globe-nominated song "Home" for the Oscar-nominated film Ferdinand), Nick 13 of Tiger Army (Mi Amor La Luna), Tyga/YG/Santana, Cameron Hawthorn, Dovley Music, and Anjeza.
In November 2019, Raquel was selected to perform in Rhythms of the City, a charity project by Art at the Rendon, alongside Grammy-winning Brazilian composer Heitor Pereira. The three sold-out performances raised funds for the Play with Music project.
Raquel's acting career began in her teenage years when she was discovered by Brazilian actor Luiz Carlos Arutin and cast in the soap opera Maracutaia. She has since worked with notable filmmakers such as Fabricio Correa (Carmen), SAG actor/writer Victor Valeau (Rhinestone Romance), and Josette Hughes. Raquel was also featured in Disney/Freeform's Hispanic Heritage Month promo in 2019, alongside Niko Guardado of the Party of Five reboot.
Her recent acting credits include starring in the short film Moving On, appearances in two episodes of the American Justice Warriors YouTube series, and producing and starring in her music video Breaking Free, released on December 5, 2024.
Beyond her artistic endeavors, Raquel is a proud mother to her daughter Lara. She finds joy in spending time with family, friends, and her beloved dog Smokey, while continuing to embrace her passion for dance, acting, and creating meaningful art.
Her passion for flamenco was ignited by Brazilian flamenco master Paulo Santos, with whom she performed numerous choreographies. She later shared the stage with flamenco maestro Fabio Rodrigues. In the U.S., Raquel deepened her flamenco expertise at renowned institutions such as Fazil's and Ballet Hispánico in New York City, and further honed her skills under the mentorship of Briseyda Zarate, Katerina Tomas, Celina Zambon, and Richard Chavez in Los Angeles.
Raquel became a member of the CZ Flamenco Dance Company, directed by actress and flamenco master Celina Zambon, performing in productions such as Flamenco Loves Tango (Lobero Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza) and Andalucía and Los Angeles Del Flamenco (Morgan-Wixson Theatre, Santa Monica). She co-founded the fusion flamenco group Pasión Flamenca de Los Angeles, with which she continues to perform across Southern California, including collaborations with the Kol Sephardic Choir and solo appearances in music videos and live events.
Raquel's music video credits include performances as a lead flamenco dancer for artists such as Nick Jonas (Golden Globe-nominated song "Home" for the Oscar-nominated film Ferdinand), Nick 13 of Tiger Army (Mi Amor La Luna), Tyga/YG/Santana, Cameron Hawthorn, Dovley Music, and Anjeza.
In November 2019, Raquel was selected to perform in Rhythms of the City, a charity project by Art at the Rendon, alongside Grammy-winning Brazilian composer Heitor Pereira. The three sold-out performances raised funds for the Play with Music project.
Raquel's acting career began in her teenage years when she was discovered by Brazilian actor Luiz Carlos Arutin and cast in the soap opera Maracutaia. She has since worked with notable filmmakers such as Fabricio Correa (Carmen), SAG actor/writer Victor Valeau (Rhinestone Romance), and Josette Hughes. Raquel was also featured in Disney/Freeform's Hispanic Heritage Month promo in 2019, alongside Niko Guardado of the Party of Five reboot.
Her recent acting credits include starring in the short film Moving On, appearances in two episodes of the American Justice Warriors YouTube series, and producing and starring in her music video Breaking Free, released on December 5, 2024.
Beyond her artistic endeavors, Raquel is a proud mother to her daughter Lara. She finds joy in spending time with family, friends, and her beloved dog Smokey, while continuing to embrace her passion for dance, acting, and creating meaningful art.
