Folk Arts - Master Artist - Roger Del Rosario

Filipino folk artist Roger Del Rosario mastered traditional Philippine music and dance through constant studying since 1962. Del Rosario emphasizes the importance of youth being aware of their heritage. As the Filipino community makes up a large proportion of the Asian population in Washington, he is able to reach many young people with his performances. Through Philippine dance, performers make others aware of their culture.

As a recipient of a 1994 Apprenticeship grant, Del Rosario taught Amielita Castroverde-Ruffner traditional Philippine music and dance. Del Rosario and Castroverde-Ruffner plan to form a dance group in Kitsap County to serve the Filipino community there.

Amielita first became interested in dance while she was in grade school in the Philippines. She is a member of the Filipiniana Dance Company, which Del Rosario founded.