What's the deal with Paso Doble?

[pygmalion]

Does anybody out there actually dance paso doble, other than in competitions? I've never even seen anyone play a paso doble at the various ballroom dances around town. Maybe in Europe or other parts of the world, dopeople do this dance? where did it come from? And is the paso doble scene in Strictly Ballroom at all realistic? (Youknow the one -- with the family that has paso doble as part of its native culture and does it just for fun down by the railroad tracks)

Anybody have thoughts on this?

[dolceamore]

actually, yes. many people dance paso doble. but of course it's not like at competitions with the whole performing thing. paso doble means '' double step" and it is danced by many people in south america but mostly in spain. its arm style and body style is much like flamenco. i hope that helped you.

[pygmalion]

Yes. I was thinking about the resemblance to flamenco, but ddn't want to say anything, for fear of exposing my almost total (read 98% LOL) ignorance.

Maybe I should google, and see if I can find any references to street/traditional paso doble.

Thanks. That helps. :wink: :D

[pygmalion]

I got this from streetswing.com

Spanish bullfighting goes all the way back to Crete, and could have Greek and/or Syrian origins but is reported to not have come to Spain till the 1700's. France had an infantry march named "Pas redoublé" around 1790. The name Paso Doble (pass -o- dough blay) is a Spanish folk dance which means "Two Steps" and is done to 2/4 time "Spanish March" music which was originally used for the procession at the beginning of corridas. Andalusans were extremely fond of this music during the 18th century.

-- Sometimes referred to as the Spanish One-step, the "Paso" as it is affectionately known is a dance of the Bullfight which portrays the Toreador (Bullfighter) and his partner is the Cape (Cappa or Capa). The Paso Doble dance became quite popular during the 1920s and later became the rage in Paris with the upper classes around the 1930's (which explains the many French terms used in the dance).

-- The dance is a very masculine Theatrical Ballroom type couples dance in nature with many dramatic poses, Leaps, Stomps and much attitude. The dance was created to mimic the movements of the Toreador and the Bullfight. It has roots in the Spanish Flamenco dances as well. It is really not a social dance as much as a competition of exhibition dance. The Paso doble flamenco is the same but uses castanets and is not done in the ballroom.




Most places where I found a reference to paso doble say that it's an exhibition style dance. But this definition seems to refer to a street dance paso doble flamenco. Does anybody out there know more about the origin of this dance, and where it's danced, outside the ballroom?

[DanceMentor]

Let me chime in....

Why is it ALWAYS Espana Cani for the music.

Surely they can get a little more creative than that.

[pygmalion]

That's hilarious. Five out of the six websites I looked at for paso doble info, mentioned that exact song. Sheesh! You'd think people could get a bit more imaginative. :lol:

[Adwiz]

The problem with the music is that for competition use the dancers are expecting certain cues at very specific points in the song. The last beat for example must end dramatically and routines are practiced to get the couple in the right position for that to happen. In competitions nobody knows what music will be played, but the Paso needs accent in very obvious places so the music has to be somewhat reliable or everyone would look foolish. So organizers basically just use Spanish Gypsy Dance all the time to be safe.

[SDsalsaguy]

The problem with the music is that for competition use the dancers are expecting certain cues at very specific points in the song. The last beat for example must end dramatically and routines are practiced to get the couple in the right position for that to happen. In competitions nobody knows what music will be played, but the Paso needs accent in very obvious places so the music has to be somewhat reliable or everyone would look foolish. So organizers basically just use Spanish Gypsy Dance all the time to be safe.
To expand on Adwiz's point, Paso Doble is one of those dances that intersperse both 2 and 4 count bridges with the regular 8 counts. As such, a given routine isn't actually "on phrase" with every Paso, hence the limited variety of Paso's typically used...

[virginiadancegirl]

OK..gotta just interject a tiny bit... I am currently working on a Samba, Cha Cha, Paso routine for an exhibition...

It's not competition...does that count?

[pygmalion]

Yes, it counts!!! :D

[virginiadancegirl]

I was less than pleased with the idea when my partner told me about it...(his idea, obviously), but he sold me on it when I heard the song....

Casanova - Paulina Rubio

I can't help but move when I hear it!!