Paso Doble Dance has always captivated me. The dramatic flair and powerful movements were mesmerizing to watch, yet my personal dance journey only introduced me to its intricacies at the Pre-Championship level of competitive Latin dancing. It’s a missed opportunity that many dancers are not exposed to this spectacular dance earlier in their training.
Fortunately, our choreography development coach, Martin Lefebvre from Calgary, held a deep appreciation for Paso Doble. He gifted us with a robust foundation in this captivating dance, even bringing a cape to our lessons to help me truly embody the characterizations inherent in each figure. This hands-on approach was invaluable in understanding the nuances of Paso Doble dance.
What sets Paso Doble apart, even within Ballroom and Latin genres, is its emphasis on characterization and emotional expression, often prioritized over sheer technical precision. While Rumba also carries significant emotional depth, its focus often leans towards technical elements like leg straightening and precise body timing relative to footwork. This technical scrutiny is less dominant in Paso Doble. While correct weight placement and heel usage in walks are important, the dance generally allows for more freedom in technical detail compared to others. In essence, Paso Doble dance is about feeling and portraying a story, not just perfect steps.
Adding to its uniqueness, Paso Doble dance is distinctive as it predominantly centers attention on the male dancer. It’s often referred to as a “man’s dance” because of this focus. Tango also gives the man a significant role, but he often remains subtly in the background, supporting the lady’s actions as the focal point for much of the dance. For instance, in Tango promenades, the lady reacts to the lead, yet ideally, the lead itself should be almost imperceptible. The man’s lead must be strong but understated. In Paso Doble dance, however, the man takes center stage from beginning to end, projecting strength, confidence, and even a touch of arrogance, embodying the spirit of the matador.
The arrogance associated with Paso Doble stems from the historical figure of the matador. Bullfighters in the arena were known for their supreme confidence. Their ability to stand firm and maintain absolute control when facing a charging bull weighing over 1000 lbs was legendary. This commanding presence is a core characterization in Paso Doble dance. Stillness becomes a crucial element in an impactful performance. Movements must be distinct and controlled throughout the entirety of the Paso Doble dance.
Unlike many other dances where partner interaction is more fluid and shared, in Paso Doble dance, the lady maintains unwavering attention on the man. This focus allows her to accurately represent the cape, an extension of the matador’s artistry. There’s a palpable, razor-sharp focus between both partners during their performance, mirroring the matador’s intense concentration on the bull’s every nuance to anticipate its next move. This intense connection is what makes Paso Doble dance so compelling to watch and perform.
Another captivating aspect of Paso Doble dance is its narrative precision. Each sequence of steps is intentionally designed to convey a specific element of the story. The Grand Circle vividly depicts the matador swirling his cape. La Passe captures the dynamic flicking of the cape back and forth. Promenade Spins evoke the image of a spinning cape. Coup de Pique dramatically represents the final triumph over the bull (reassuringly, no bulls are harmed in this dance!). Flamenco Taps, while not directly related to the bull or cape, express the lady’s powerful role and the dynamic interplay between the two dancers. Learning Paso Doble dance is learning to tell a powerful story through movement.
Performing Paso Doble dance is genuinely exhilarating, particularly when partnered with someone who deeply understands these characterizations. The matador in the bullring is not simply brave and confident; he possesses complete awareness of his surroundings. He is acutely conscious of his posture, his body, and his presence in the space. He embodies mental fortitude. To deliver a convincing performance in Paso Doble dance, the male lead must project these same powerful characteristics.
There is a kind of razor-sharp focus of both parties in their performance, just as the matador focuses on every emotion of the bull to anticipate its next move.
A truly entertaining depiction of this character can be found in the animated film “Book of Life,” which centers on a matador striving to uphold his family’s legacy. One particular scene recounts the family history, illustrating how each generation of matadors met their fate by pushing their confidence just slightly too far. It’s a humorous scene that beautifully encapsulates this facet of the matador’s character, which is so central to Paso Doble dance.
Every action a matador undertakes is contrary to instinctual human behavior. When confronted by a charging bull, the natural reaction is to flee. However, the bullfighter stands his ground, drawing the bull closer, utilizing his cape and body positioning to skillfully deceive the bull, narrowly avoiding contact by mere inches as it charges. This mastery of movement is what Paso Doble dance seeks to emulate.
Matadors are masters of movement. Every gesture is deliberate and purposeful, executed with perfection. These actions range from subtle and refined to expansive and dramatic, all contributing to the compelling narrative of Paso Doble dance.
The Lady’s Equally Vital Role in Paso Doble Dance
While the man may be perceived as the star of Paso Doble dance, the lady’s role is equally indispensable. She must embody strength, yet also fluidity and grace, flowing and curving in response to his lead. Furthermore, she takes on the crucial role of the Flamenco Dancer. These dancers are incredibly powerful, secure in their sensuality, and possess profound wisdom. Mirroring the matador, they are acutely aware of every part of their body and utilize it with precision. Even their fingers contribute to drawing the audience’s eye during the Paso Doble dance performance.
The lady understands and respects the inherently masculine nature of Paso Doble dance. She appreciates the man’s strength and confidence, empowering his portrayal through her own actions. Simultaneously, she recognizes that her presence is essential for the dance to truly come alive, understanding her integral role in the performance. While not competing for dominance, she is equally powerful and just as vital to the overall story told through Paso Doble dance.
When describing Tango, I often say that the lady grants the man permission to be in control. She understands that her own sensuality ultimately influences him, yet she yields to his lead, allowing him to guide her actions and responses. Paso Doble dance shares this dynamic. The lady knows that her partner would be limited in his performance, lacking a story to tell without the “cape” she represents. Yet, she celebrates his role and enhances it through her own powerful presence in the Paso Doble dance.
These are just some of the reasons why Paso Doble dance has always held a special place in my heart. It isn’t inherently difficult to learn the basic steps, but for many, particularly those lacking self-assurance, overcoming internal barriers to fully embrace the dance’s character can be challenging. If you are a social dancer, I encourage you to explore Paso Doble dance. You might discover a newfound sense of confidence and dramatic expression as a performer.
You might also be interested in “The Secret Ingredient to Paso Doble”.
