Maria Romero was born and raised in the City of Santa Clarita, California. Her love for the performing arts began when she joined a local folklórico group, The Santa Clarita Community Center Ballet Folklórico. She later joined Grandeza Mexicana, a well-known Mexican Folklorico dance company in Los Angeles under the artistic direction of Jose Vences. Maria has performed with the company in many prestigious theaters and performing arts centers such as the Ford Amphitheatre, Gibson Amphitheatre, Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, Hollywood Bowl, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, and the Gallo Center for the Arts among others.

Maria has also studied and received two degrees in International Business and Marketing at the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. During her time as an undergraduate, Maria was the artistic director for Cal Poly Pomona’s Mexican Folk Dance Ensemble, Ballet Folklórico Ollin de Aztlán. In 2014, Maria was selected to be the new artistic director and instructor for the City of Santa Clarita Community Center’s Ballet Folklorico where she teaches over 60 children weekly.

At DUF 2016

Maestra Maria will be teaching Repertorio: Baja California, Sinaloa, and Veracruz. This is a class for 2nd grade students at an intermediate or advanced level; ages 6-8.