GFDP Staff
CEO and Artistic Director
Sara Roybal
Sara Roybal has received her Masters of Fine Arts in Dance with a graduate certificate in Ethnic Studies from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Currently, she is the CEO and Artistic Director of Grupo Folklórico del Pueblo. Sara’s research consciously collides the cultural, social, economic, traditional, and contemporary borders. She focuses on the historical impetus of Mexican folklore in the USA and its growth and development of the cultural representation of it today through a Chicanx lens. Sara’s goals with the GFDP is to uphold their mission to develop not only educated dancers, but teachers and artists.
Office Staff
Velma Roybal
Velma Romero Roybal is currently president of Grupo Folklórico’s board, history instructor, costume coordinator and office manager. She has been involved with folklórico dance for thirty six years. Her two children, who grew up doing folklórico, are now adults with advanced degrees. Her previous career was in Early Child Education where she taught preschool for 15 years, and directed a program for two years. Velma and her two children are the founders of the G.F.D.P. and had been the Artistic Director for the G.F.D.P. for about 3 years until 2009, has served as the CEO until 2024 and has attended more than 15 international conferences and training sessions for folklórico.
Her life revolves around folklórico, which she tells us has been a rewarding experience for herself and her family. Her favorite aspect of the involvement in folklórico has been the mentoring of so many young lives that she has been involved with. Velma enjoys that there is still so much to learn and do in this field and she is looking forward to the future with the G.F.D.P.
Ernestine Benavidez
Ernestine runs the heart and the sole of GFDP with her trusty office partner, Velma R.
GFDP Instructing Staff
Virginia Ortiz
Hola, My name is Virginia Ortiz and I am a retired teacher from Pueblo School District 60. My partner and I have been performing Spanish Colonial dance for twenty plus years. We have performed from Santa Fe, New Mexico to Morrison, Colorado. The Spanish Colonial dances and music have been my passion since I was very young. Working with your children and teaching them a love of Spanish Colonial culture, food and dance will be a sure enjoyment.
Gracias
Melina Montoya
I have been part of GFDP for several years as a proud dance mom, student and now as an Instructor!
Teacher Assistants
Serenity -A current Avanzado students who is training to be a Teacher's Aid and eventually a Dance Teacher through our mentorship program.
Marketing and Administrative Coordinator
Alica Ribota
-You need it, she can do it! Alicia is our producer who does a little bit of everything-
Hello, my name is Alicia and we have been with Grupo Folklorico Del Pueblo for 4+ years. I am a Colorado Native and I love, baking, cooking and playing video games on my spare time. When I am not at dance; I spend my days doing homework or exploring different places I have never been before.
GFDP Parent Representatives
Esperanca
My name is Esparanca, and I am the Niño’s Parent Advocate.
I am the mother of Aubriella who has a passion for music, dance, and Soccer. Because of her passion, I chose to be an advocate for the Niño’s group. I find it critical to our children’s growth that they can participate in a cultural activity with others in the community that grows their knowledge of Folklorico and Mexican culture. As a mother and advocate, I am beyond excited to support our Niño’s as they progress through the group. My goal is to be sure all parents are informed, and all voices are heard.
Niños, Échale ganas, nuestro mundo es suyo. Baile con fuerza.
¡Padres eres el tallo de la flor de tu hijo! ¡Nítrelos y hazlos fuertes!
Amanda Wilson
I am a mom of 4 awesome kids. My youngest daughter has been with GFDP for 3 years. She loves being part of the group. On my spare time I love doing arts and crafts, you can see my handy work with our earrings and bun covers!
Jassmin
Hi, my name is Jasmine Gallegos. I am a mom of 2. I decided to put my daughter into folklorico dance so that she can learn and embrace our culture. I am excited to be apart of Grupo Folklorico Del Pueblo so that I can support my children and the other students in this organization to achieve a sense of community and confidence that they can put forth into this world.
Roberta Murphy
Mom of 2 beautiful girls. My youngest has been with GFDP for over 6 years. We love being part of this organization.
Mariachi
Phillip Ortiz-Gonzales
Holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance from Colorado Sate University Pueblo. He started his music career with Latin Thunder in 2010, and since then, he has traveled to various parts of the world with different bands. Also a recording artists, Phillip is currently a trumpet player for Darren Cordova Y Calor.
Samuel Leon
Began his musical journey at the age of 7. He started by singing with Folklorico groups until eventually he joined Mariachi Aguila de Jorge Melo. There, he was able to grow his musical prowess. Now he is a professional musician with Mariachi Lobos and an instructor of Mariachi music.
