Competitive dancing is more popular than ever. Many couples pursue dance because it is something they can do together. Likewise, others say it is a good form of exercise. Whatever the reason, students want to learn all the Latin dances like the rumba and the mambo. Another popular dance is the Paso Doble, which explores the Spanish bullfight through dance. The dance’s roots are in a French military march called the Paso Redoble. Indeed, it is the fastest Latin dance.
The Paso Doble has an interesting history. The music was traditionally played when the torero came into the bullring. The French started interpreting the bull fight through dance around 1910. The man plays the part of the bull and the woman plays the red cloth or “cap”. Interested in learning the Paso Doble Dance? Visit the Fred Astaire Dance Studios for the best values in lessons. Today, the Paso Doble is taught as a two-step with a 2/4 or 2/6 beat. The modern-choreographed bull fight made its debut in the 1920’s. Needless to say, it is one of the most dramatic Latin dances. Further, it is a progressive dance. Dancers move forward with their heels, accompanied by various hand movements. The forward steps need to be proud as the man performs apel. Apel is a step where the man stomps his foot like the matador to catch the bull’s attention. Like most Latin dances, movements should be sharp and quick. The dancer holds their body in a way that appears arrogant and dignified.
Certain movements are distinctive to the dance, including:
* Sur Place (on the spot)
* Open promenade to Open Counter Promenade
* Attack
* Spanish Line
Learning the Paso Doble Dance means being familiar with flamenco. Paso Doble incorporates many flamenco movements including taps and mirror-image dancing. Likewise, there are many influences from the Spanish Fandango seen in the Paso Doble. Over the years, dancers have come to reserve the Paso Doble for competition. It is not a dance one would go in the club and start doing. Rather, it is part of Latin Dance tradition and requires a lot of skill to get it right.
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