Paso Doble

The paso doble is a dance that is also called the Spanish one -step in 2/4 time; it is danced with a single step to a beat, and with a lot of
spontaneity and free movements; the male leads the female moving forward and backward, turning together or singly in a circle using a variety
of hand movements and holds. It became a very popular and stylish ballroom dance in the Philippines, and is at present being revived in dancing
clubs and social gatherings. The paso doble accompanies the quick entrances and exits of prince and princess in the traditional
komedya(comedy), a verse play usually set in European kingdoms; and the hudyo(Jew) in the traditional sinakulo, the verse play on the life and
sufferings of Jesus Christ. Usually played by a band or an orchestra, the paso doble may use old or current melodies, such as "Bridge on the
River Kwai" and "Roll out the Barrel" .Originating from Spain, this dance is a regular part of the social dance repertoire in Spanish-speaking
countries, and in Europe since 1918. Paso doble simulates the atmosphere of the corrida(bullfighting), with the woman as the cape and the man
as the toreador taunting the bull. The body is distinctly upright with a taut haughtiness of bearing; the steps taken are short, and the feet always
directly beneath the body.
History of the Paso Doble

Although there is not a lot of recorded history written about the Paso Doble dance, there are some shared beliefs about the dance’s
origins and evolution. The Paso Doble is a passionate dance based on a Spanish bullfight. The leader represents the proud Spanish
matador and the woman or follower is the Matador’s cape. The follower will sometimes also represent the bull, picador or
flamenco dancer. Paso Doble music was originally played for the entrance of the matador into the bull -fighting ring. In Spainish
tradition dating back to the 18 th century, it was also known as “El Soleo”. Although the Paso Doble is based on a Spanish tradition,
it’s believed that the dance was created in Southern France where they tried to portray the theatrics of the Spanish bullfight.

The name of the dance, “Paso Doble” is believed to trace back to a French military march with a similar name, “Paso Redoble.”
The Paso Redoble was a march with a 2/4 beat and about 130 beats or steps per minute. Even today the Paso Doble dance is
characterized by it’s marching-like steps and is now the fastest Latin ballroom dance. Every second step of the marching dance is
emphasized, and this may also be why the dance is called “Paso Doble” or translated to English “double step”

While the Paso Doble dance has Spanish and French roots, a lot of the dance was developed and interpreted in Southern France
around 1910 by French competition dance performers and instructor s. The French’s development of the Paso Doble dance is why
the dance’s figures and steps were coined with French names. In the 1920s choreographed bull fight pantomimes emerged out of
the Paso Doble dance. Performing dance was a big novelty during this tim e and lent to the Paso Doble’s success.

Paso Doble received the coin term “dance of the master” because of the boldness and beaming pride expressed by the “torero” i n
the dance. The strength and decisiveness of the lead was interpreted as that of a master. The female follow, much like in Flamenco
dance, also dances with a kind of self-confidence, beaming elegance and strength at the same time. The Paso Doble adopted some
elements of the figures, steps, and character of Flamenco dancing.

Paso Doble Today

Paso Doble dancing gained popularity in the United States in the 1930s. Although today the Paso Doble is on occasion danced as a
social ballroom or Latin dance, it is generally seen as a competitive or performance style dance. Due to its French origins, most of
the steps in the Paso Doble have still French names. The Paso Doble has strong progressive steps, often using stomps and flam enco
type footwork for dramatic effects. The body actions are sharp and quick and the chest is held high and proud. The sharp m oves of
Paso Doble dance make it a popular dance to be choreographed. Dancers are better able to hit strong movements with a planned
dance making for a very dramatic effect.

The Paso Doble has gained popularity through competitive dance reality TV shows li ke, “Dancing With the Stars.” On “Dancing
with the Stars”, they often use contemporary pop music to create a more current sound for the Paso Doble. These dances are
choreographed with the dance judges in mind, striving to excel in performing all the essent ial characteristics of the Paso Doble
dance.
In addition to being danced to modern pop songs, a significant amount of Paso Doble dances are still performed to the traditi onal
music “Epaña Cañi”, a famous Spanish song written by Pascual Marquina Narro in 19 21. “España Cañi” continues to be popular
today with Paso Doble dancers today. It’s often known as “the Paso Doble Song” and is commonly played in dance competitions
because its significant breaks and musical structure lend well for specific and successful Paso Doble choreography.

Today the Paso Doble is considered a dance that teaches discipline as it gives dancing a strong structure and little artistic freedom.
A lot of practice is needed to perform the Paso Doble successfully because of the expressivenes s and strict musicality of the dance.
When dancing in closed position, Paso Doble dancers have continuous body contact from chest to thigh and hold their hands muc h
higher than the other competition dances. Paso Doble has been a competition dance since 194 5 and has been a part of the World
Dance Program since 1963. Within competitive dance, modern Paso Doble is combined with Samba, Cha -Cha, Rumba and Jive
under the category International Latin.

Paso Doble Dance Music

 “Espana Cani” various artists

 “Spanish Gypsy Dance” Orquestra Carrasco
 “Bring Me to Life” Evanescence
 “Amparito Roca” Luis Cobos
 “Bad Romance” Lady Gaga
 “Malaguena” Edmundo Ros
 “El Pico” Orquesta Torres Avila
 “Uprising” Muse
 “Volare” Gypsy Kings
 “Bambolero” Gypsy Kings
 “Thriller” Michael Jackson
 “Eye of the Tiger” Survivor
 “Dirty Little Secret” The All-American Rejects
 “Matador Paso” Andy Fortuna
 “Pinball Wizard” Tanz Orchester Klaus Hallen
 “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” Panic! At The Disco
 “S.O.S.” Rihanna
 “Call Me When You’re Sober” Evanescence
 “Temperature” Sean Paul
 “Paralyzer” Finger Eleven
 “Don’t Stop the Music” Rihanna
 “Dance, Dance” Fall Out Boy
 “Sexy Back” Justin Timberlake
 “Time is Running Out” Muse
 “Conquest” The White Stripes
 “Purple Haze” Jimi Hendrix
 “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” Tanz Orchester Klaus Hallen
 “El Magnifico” Tim Devine, Ned Milton, and Andrea Terrano
 “Spanish Bull” Miguel Moreno
 “Spanish Overture” Tim Garland
 “Bad Romance” Lady Gaga
 “Another One Bites the Dust” Queen
 “Applause” Lady Gaga
 “Free Your Mind” EnVogue
 “Turn Me On” Nicki Minaj
 “What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger)” Kelly Clarkson
 “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” Taylor Swift
 “Bring Me to Life” Evanescence
 Costume illustration:

DANCE STEPS
Performed mainly as a competition dance rather than a social dance, the Paso Doble is a pantomime of a bullfight. The matador dances around
confronting his enemy (the bull) and emerges as the victor. The movements of the male dancer are quick showing strong defiance; the ladies
movements on the other hand, are often graceful. Dancers of this dance take powerful steps forward using the heels, incorporating creative
movements of the hands. The forward steps should appear strong and proud. The man should include strong stamping of the foot, mimicking the
gesture of the matador's attempt to capture the attention of the bull. All the movements in this dance should be sharp and swift, the chest and
head must be held high showing arrogance and dignity. There are also several dramatic poses synchronized with the highlights of the music.