The meaning of the words "paso doble" is double step in Spanish. It is a dance that is based on the bullfights of Spain. The music is set to Spanish March music that plays when a matador enters the ring to salute the audience before the fight and at the end of the fight.
Although the name of the dance is Spanish, the Paso Doble as we know it today was invented in Southern France, with Pierre Lavelle making it popular with the upper crust of Paris in the 1930s. The French appropriated the Spanish music and movements and named the steps in French. The Sur Place and Huit, are examples of such appropriation.
The dance is lively and dramatic with long sweeping steps and aggressive movements. The tempo is brisk and measured but not fast, being about one beat per second. It is an elaborate pantomime of a bullfight, where the matador (the male) dances proudly around, confronts his enemy (the bull/female) and eventually emerges victorious. Movements by the male are proud and quick, in strong defiance, while the hand and arm gestures (particularly of the female) are often graceful and fluid. The female can also take on the role of the matador's cape or an adoring Flamenco dancer.
The energy one puts into it and the level of dancing skill is what truly makes this dance. In the '30s, the United States began taking notice of the dance, but it never really caught on because it was not something that one can do without any dance experience. Because the Paso Doble requires extensive professional training, it is a great opportunity for seasoned dancers to learn something new that will be well-received. Because it is not a dance for a crowded dance floor, it is usually watched and enjoyed at places such as exhibitions, performances or competitions. The dance is very theatrical and requires a great deal of showmanship. For example, the male's attitude has to haughty and confident.
Because it is a dynamic dance that requires extensive professional training, the Paso Doble is not a dance for the uninitiated. If one is a strong performer, however, few dances are as impressive or stylistic. So if the conqueror is in one's blood, step up to the challenge.
Although the name of the dance is Spanish, the Paso Doble as we know it today was invented in Southern France, with Pierre Lavelle making it popular with the upper crust of Paris in the 1930s. The French appropriated the Spanish music and movements and named the steps in French. The Sur Place and Huit, are examples of such appropriation.
The dance is lively and dramatic with long sweeping steps and aggressive movements. The tempo is brisk and measured but not fast, being about one beat per second. It is an elaborate pantomime of a bullfight, where the matador (the male) dances proudly around, confronts his enemy (the bull/female) and eventually emerges victorious. Movements by the male are proud and quick, in strong defiance, while the hand and arm gestures (particularly of the female) are often graceful and fluid. The female can also take on the role of the matador's cape or an adoring Flamenco dancer.
The energy one puts into it and the level of dancing skill is what truly makes this dance. In the '30s, the United States began taking notice of the dance, but it never really caught on because it was not something that one can do without any dance experience. Because the Paso Doble requires extensive professional training, it is a great opportunity for seasoned dancers to learn something new that will be well-received. Because it is not a dance for a crowded dance floor, it is usually watched and enjoyed at places such as exhibitions, performances or competitions. The dance is very theatrical and requires a great deal of showmanship. For example, the male's attitude has to haughty and confident.
Because it is a dynamic dance that requires extensive professional training, the Paso Doble is not a dance for the uninitiated. If one is a strong performer, however, few dances are as impressive or stylistic. So if the conqueror is in one's blood, step up to the challenge.
About the Author:
Dance Times Square is NYC's premier latin and ballroom dance studio. Owners Tony and Melanie have danced together and won numerous titles over the past thirty years. If you want to know background on any of the ballroom dances go to their dance center.
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