Ruben Harymbat (Ruben de Pompeya) is a milonguero from the golden era of tango. Ruben was born, bred and still living with his wife Haydee in the Buenos Aires barrio of Pompeya. Ruben known as "Ruben de Pompeya" is 69 years old. He began dancing when he was 14 years old. In those days before professional teaching developed, he learned from his brothers and male cousins and friends. They would practice together every year to participate in the annual carnival.
Although highly respected for his dancing, Ruben never wanted to take his dancing to a professional level. He describes himself as a humble man who has always kept a low profile. Ruben worked for 43 years in the Argentine Post Office; the first 10 years as a locksmith. He later became responsible for the Department of Locksmiths of the Argentine Post office.
Ruben raised his family with his wife, Haydee, "a beautiful dancer" he says. But Haydee had problems with her knees which means she can no longer dance.
Ruben's passion for the tango is evident as soon as you see him on the dancer floor. His energy belies his age, or perhaps it is indicative of the many years he has expressed himself through the dance. Ruben is the "master of improvisation" and owner of enormous creativy. Ruben is highly sought out dancer in Argentina for performances. His performance partners have included Anna Maria Schapira, Alicia Pons, Susana Miller, Maria Plazaola, Enriqueta Kleinman , and Marisa Galindo among others. Ruben was invited to perform in November 2007 for the Congress of the Nation of Argentina in homage in "Recognition to the Milongueros of the night in Buenos Aires."
Ruben's first visit to the United States was last year when he participated in the 2008 Chicago Mini Tango Festival. Ruben has also participated in the 2007 and 2008 Festival Tango Estilo Milonguero. He has given seminars with Susana Miller and Maria Plazaola at "La Academia" in Buenos Aires. Ruben has also made numerous trips to Brazil to teach and perform.
Enriqueta has danced tango for over 15 years. She presently teaches group and private classes in Buenos Aires. The classes are for both men and women. She is an expert in Salon Tango - Milonguero Style, Tango Waltz and Milonga. Enriqueta also specializes in teaching technique for women and has led many courses and seminars. She performed at the Third and Fifth Metropolitan Championships in Buenos Aires. She has done a number of performances in Buenos Aires including at Salon Canning, Cachirulo (Maipu 444), and at the Confiteria Ideal at the First Milongueando Festival in Buenos Aires. She has been an instructor at Susana Miller's La Academia and presently teaches at Maipu 444. Enriqueta has taught and performed in San Diego, Iowa, Chicago, and at 2008 May Madness at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Enriqueta also speaks English, having lived for several years in New York City. Enriqueta is also an artist by profession.
For more information go to http://www.enriquetak.com.
For information regarding Enriqueta's paintings go to http://www.enriquetakleinman.com.ar

Links to Ruben and Enriqueta recent performances at the Portland Tango Festival and in Portland:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25oZUlnB3Qo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zr_oiMuwcLw