Artistic Director and Instructors
Artistic Director, Gloria "Glo" Rodriguez: Gloria "Glo" Rodriguez became a member of FLdW in 1986 as the Assistant Instructor and soon after became the Artistic Director in 1988. Glo's experience comes from performing with several well-known folklorico companies in Northern California, participating at national folklorico conferences and workshops, and traveling to Mexico to fully immerse herself in the art. For the last 36 years, Glo has demonstrated her to dedication to FLdW through continuous participation in community events, her attention to detail in costumes to ensure the culture's integrity, and her intricate footwork and choreography. FLdW is grateful to have an Artistic Director with her robust expertise and knowledge. Glo is also the proud parent of three of the FLdW adult members.
Adult Instructor, Omar Quintero: Omar Quintero has been dancing folklorico for the past 34 years. He has been the Adult Instructor for the last five years and has danced with several established folklorico companies in the Sacramento area. Omar has participated in several folklorico conferences and workshops, and has also traveled to Mexico to gain more knowledge of the folklorico culture and history. His expertise is critical in building the Adult group choreography, choosing regions to be performed at FLdW's annual show and large scale conferences (e.g., Danzantes Unidos Folklorico Conference), and providing input regarding the future direction of FLdW.
Intermediate Youth Instructor, Sara Garcia: Sara Garcia started dancing folklorico at the age of four, and has continued for the last 25 years. In 2017, Sara became the lead instructor for the Intermediate Youth groups. Sara's knowledge of dance stretches beyond the world of folklorico - she is an active member of the Yemaya Salsa and Bachata teams and is also well-versed in the art of Hula dance. Her expertise allows her the ability to breakdown steps and choreography for any level of dancer.
Beginning Youth Instructor, Francisca "Fran" Rios: Francisca "Fran" Rios started dancing folklorico at the age of five. In 2001, she began teaching folklorico at various Woodland elementary, middle and high schools, and then had the opportunity to teach at Danzantes del Alma at University of California, Davis, in 2018. Fran began teaching the FLdW beginning youth group in 2016 and is also an active adult member. Her experience in working with youth at various levels makes her a valuable asset to FLdW.
Adult Instructor, Omar Quintero: Omar Quintero has been dancing folklorico for the past 34 years. He has been the Adult Instructor for the last five years and has danced with several established folklorico companies in the Sacramento area. Omar has participated in several folklorico conferences and workshops, and has also traveled to Mexico to gain more knowledge of the folklorico culture and history. His expertise is critical in building the Adult group choreography, choosing regions to be performed at FLdW's annual show and large scale conferences (e.g., Danzantes Unidos Folklorico Conference), and providing input regarding the future direction of FLdW.
Intermediate Youth Instructor, Sara Garcia: Sara Garcia started dancing folklorico at the age of four, and has continued for the last 25 years. In 2017, Sara became the lead instructor for the Intermediate Youth groups. Sara's knowledge of dance stretches beyond the world of folklorico - she is an active member of the Yemaya Salsa and Bachata teams and is also well-versed in the art of Hula dance. Her expertise allows her the ability to breakdown steps and choreography for any level of dancer.
Beginning Youth Instructor, Francisca "Fran" Rios: Francisca "Fran" Rios started dancing folklorico at the age of five. In 2001, she began teaching folklorico at various Woodland elementary, middle and high schools, and then had the opportunity to teach at Danzantes del Alma at University of California, Davis, in 2018. Fran began teaching the FLdW beginning youth group in 2016 and is also an active adult member. Her experience in working with youth at various levels makes her a valuable asset to FLdW.
