his kid was born in Villa Urquiza the same year that the movie ¡Tango! first screened. He was the son of dairy farmers and played with a tin can to imitate his parents. Later on, Alfredo Norberto Ruiz —nicknamed Tito by his family— brought his heart closer to the tango.

He would meet up with friends on a corner of Villa Pueyrredón, across from the family dairy, and devote himself to movement. In these street practicas he danced both roles equally well, and taught steps to Héctor Mayoral together with his cousin Enrique Ruiz (Quique). He enjoyed these get-togethers, until the death of the latter saddened him and he stopped dancing.

During the 80s he returned to the milongas with Beatriz del Carmen Arroyo, his inseparable partner in tango and in life. Together they frequented Sin Rumbo, Sunderland, and La Baldosa, gave performances and became teachers. «He was a creator, a humble man who never said a bad word about anyone», says Beatriz.

Titi stood out for his impeccable giros (turns) and lápices (pencils). He loved to dance to Osvaldo Pugliese's music and he paid special attention to the placement of the feet. One time Mayoral commissioned a plaque to honor him as his teacher. In this recognition, he shook his hand; either for the friendship they had cultivated or as a gesture symbolizing how everything ought to be shared.

The author is instructor, dancer and researcher of tango dance. He is author of the Nuevo glosario de tango danza, La pista del abrazo and Tango FAQs. www.tangosalon.com.ar / info@tangosalon.com.ar