The Paso Doble is a ballroom dance reminiscent of a bullfight set in the heart of Spain. It is set to Spanish march music. It is the same style of music that is played when a bullfighter enters the ring to salute the audience before the fight, and again at then end of the fight, right before the kill. The meaning of the words paso doble is "double step" in Spanish.
Although the Paso Doble has many Spanish elements, the dance as we know it today was actually invented in Southern France. Pierre Lavelle made it popular with the Paris high society in the 1930s. Because of this, the music and movements are Spanish but the names of the step are French. The Sur Place and Huit, are such examples.
The Paso Doble is lively and dramatic dance with long sweeping steps and aggressive movements. It is an extravagant pantomime of a bullfight, where the male (the matador) dances proudly around, confronts the female (the bull) and eventually emerges victorious. Movements by the male are proud and quick, in strong defiance, while the hand and arm gestures of both dancers are often graceful and fluid. The female sometimes take on the role of the matador's cape or an adoring Flamenco dancer.
What truly makes this dance is the energy one puts into it and the level of dancing skill. The United States first began taking notice of the dance in the 1930s, however it never really caught on because it is not a dance that one can do without a lot of experience. Since it's a dynamic and stylistic dance that requires extensive professional training, it is a great opportunity for seasoned dancers to learn something novel that will be received well by audiences. It is not a dance for a crowded dance floor, as it necessarily takes up a lot of room. It is a dance to be watched and enjoyed, usually at exhibitions, performances or competitions. Being theatrical in nature, it requires a great deal of showmanship, if not acting ability. Very similar to the Flamenco, for example, it requires a haughty and confident attitude for the male.
If one is a strong performer, few dances are as impressive or stylistic since it is a dynamic dance that requires extensive professional training. So step up to the challenge if the conquistador is in one's blood.
Although the Paso Doble has many Spanish elements, the dance as we know it today was actually invented in Southern France. Pierre Lavelle made it popular with the Paris high society in the 1930s. Because of this, the music and movements are Spanish but the names of the step are French. The Sur Place and Huit, are such examples.
The Paso Doble is lively and dramatic dance with long sweeping steps and aggressive movements. It is an extravagant pantomime of a bullfight, where the male (the matador) dances proudly around, confronts the female (the bull) and eventually emerges victorious. Movements by the male are proud and quick, in strong defiance, while the hand and arm gestures of both dancers are often graceful and fluid. The female sometimes take on the role of the matador's cape or an adoring Flamenco dancer.
What truly makes this dance is the energy one puts into it and the level of dancing skill. The United States first began taking notice of the dance in the 1930s, however it never really caught on because it is not a dance that one can do without a lot of experience. Since it's a dynamic and stylistic dance that requires extensive professional training, it is a great opportunity for seasoned dancers to learn something novel that will be received well by audiences. It is not a dance for a crowded dance floor, as it necessarily takes up a lot of room. It is a dance to be watched and enjoyed, usually at exhibitions, performances or competitions. Being theatrical in nature, it requires a great deal of showmanship, if not acting ability. Very similar to the Flamenco, for example, it requires a haughty and confident attitude for the male.
If one is a strong performer, few dances are as impressive or stylistic since it is a dynamic dance that requires extensive professional training. So step up to the challenge if the conquistador is in one's blood.
About the Author:
Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin's is New York City's top latin and ballroom dance studio. Owners Tony and Melanie have danced together and won numerous titles over the past 30 years. If you want to know background on any of the ballroom dances go to their dance center.
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