Roberto's father was a well known artist and his grandfather was the President of Guatemala and Roberto himself of Spanish ancestry. During a political upheaval, the family moved to Mexico when he was a child. As a child Roberto wanted to be a bullfighter and during an injury, it was suggested he take up dancing to improve his Bull fighting. Moving to San Francisco, he studied Ballet and 'Character Dance'.
Roberto became a member of the San Francisco "Corps de Ballet" and danced with the "Rosario and Antonio Troupe." Roberto started his own small touring
company and toured the country. Many of his Concerts were titled "Selecciones de Ballet Espanol."