In addition to her extensive and rich career as a soloist and principal dancer in several companies throughout the world: National Ballet of Canada, Ballet International de Caracas, Lucern Opera, Bern Opera, Balletto dell’Arena di Verona, Balletto di Venezia, Israel Classical Ballet, Ms. Barrios has developed a parallel career as a choreographer, which she started at an early age.

For her choreographies she has received numerous international awards including those of the competitions in Cologne (Germany), Nyon (Switzerland), Scène Française de Paris, France. Her works have been presented by several companies and events: National Ballet of Canada, Lucern Opera (Switzerland), Israel Classical Ballet, Ballet Nacional de Caracas, Ballet Contemporáneo de Caracas, Scene Française, Ballet Galaxie (Taiwan), Stars of American Ballet (New York).

In her native Venezuela, María Eugenia Barrios was awarded with the "National Dance Award" for her achievements. Her work "Shivaa" received the Casa del Artista National Award for the best choreography of 1993.In 1995 she received this same distinction as the Best Artistic Director of the year and in 1997 as best costume designer.