Paso Doble

Paso Doble is a dramatic dance originating from Southern France depicting the animated story of a matador and his cape at the entrance to a bull fight. The man takes the lead as the matador and the lady follows as the cape in set choreographed routines. The dance is not usually popular for new beginners but is it great for developing a sense of drama and strong body lines with great strength for our Junior dancers and is also fun for our social dancer to act out. It is always popular in cabaret performances and the competitive world of Latin dancing.
The Paso Doble is traditionally performed to Spanish music that is played at the beginning of a bull fight.

The poise and hold is stronger in the Paso with the man having higher arms to dominate the lady, and the lady arching her back slightly in retaliation. Both the man and lady have straighter legs and a very strong core throughout this dance. The characteristics of the dance are powerful movements including the well-known “stamp” called an appel, aggressive marches, stalk like walks and cape like body and arm movements. The dance teaches the more advance pupils to perform the figures with great strength, drama and confidence, which is why it is not often seen on a beginners night.

When do we learn the steps?

Paso Doble is taught by request on any Improvers or Intermediate classes, encouraging our couples to embrace the drama and strength of this dance having as much fun as possible. It is not usually taught on beginners classes as it is very difficult to act out the moves, and without the confidence to perform some figures lack any real feeling of dancing.

What are the steps to the Paso Doble?

To start with, you will learn the following steps:

  • The Paso Petite
  • Appel
  • Promenade
  • Huit
  • Chases
  • Separations

These moves are always taught with focus on both the man and ladies steps and style. We also encourage the men to learn how to lead all the different moves and the ladies to follow and give an exciting example of how all the steps fit together in a fun routine for all to enjoy.

As you advance in this dance you will learn some of the folling moves:

  • The Sixteen
  • Slip Appel
  • Spins
  • Telemark
  • Spanish Lines
  • Flamenco Taps
  • And many more fun and complicated moves!

More advanced steps in the Paso Doble are usually focussed on in private tuition, as we understand that this dance isn’t for everybody on our classes!

Private Tuition is available by appointment.

Please contact the studios today to book a lesson or a class.