The Paso Doble
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Dance Summary
Type: International Latin Character: Proud figure, bold and dramatic Music: Latin (specifically Paso Doble) (4/4) In Short: Paso Doble is primarily for exhibition with much dance-specific technique and movement, not for beginners |
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Beginner's Rating
Simple:  Instructional: Creative: Slow-Paced: Practical: Overall Score: |
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Notes on Frame Maintain a widened round frame, keeping elbows up and level from one side to the next and maintaining an assertive forward posture towards your partner. Keep shoulders forward of the torso, and maintain a solid but not rigid connection with your partner. The man's left hand should be at about the lady's eye level and his right steadily braced against her left tricep. The lady's left hand should oppose the man's right shoulder. Partner's heads should be directed towards one another. Do not arch your back or look at your feet when dancing. |
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Notes on Footwork All steps should be taken on the the balls of the feet raised up on the toes with knees slightly flexed. Keep hips forward towards your partner, eliminating all cuban hip motion. Take small steps, no more than shoulder width when stepping to the side and slightly more than toe to heel forwards and backwards. Feet should always be in contact with the floor. |
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Notes on Movement Because Paso Doble is an exhibition dance, it can move anywhere on the dance floor, according to the designs of the leader. |
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Practice Points
Establish a large circular frame, bodies extended over the balls of the feet. Practice just moving around the room in different directions while maintaining correct posture. Begin more advanced patterns after "steering" and frame have become more natural.
Recommendations
Paso Doble, much like Flamenco, is an exhibition dance. It does employ lead-follow but in a more limited scope than most other ballroom dances, which means that more patterns have to be memorized and the dancers are not as dependent upon one another during the dance. Beginners should skip this dance until they are well into their dancing career and should instead concentrate on dances that better emphasize the lead-follow aspect of partner dancing, which is the foundation for communication in a partnership as well as spontaneous creativity on the floor.
This dance would be well suited for any of the following occasions:
| Anniversary Evenings Ballroom Dances  Class Reunions Corporate Events Cruises Dance Clubs | Fitness Centers College Formals In-home Parties Marriage Programs Marriage Retreats Outdoor Dances | Regional Vacations Social Dances School Proms School Talent Shows Wedding Receptions Youth Events |