He grew up in Rome where he was introduced to folk music and dance at an early age. Roberto studied various forms of folk dance throughout Europe, Israel and North America, including at the National Dance Academy in the Netherlands. From 1995 to 2003, Roberto was involved in Terra di Danza Company folkloric productions as a choreographer and dancer. He founded the Folk Atelier Reggio Emilia, which is dedicated to preserving and promoting folk dance and other folk arts.