The nature of Paso Doble is passionate and arrogant as the dance depicts a Spanish bull fight with the man characterized as the matador and the lady as his cape. The dance is walking with moves that are sharp and quick. The gentleman accentuates one move called the apel that is a strong stamp of the foot, much as a matador strikes the ground in order to capture attention of the bull.
The killing of the bull (the Coup de Grace) by the matador should produce the end of the dance. This may be depicted in a number of dance styles with either the man or the lady assuming the role of the bull.
A video below of the Paso Doble, showing the drama and power of the dance.
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This is one dance I had never heard of.
ReplyDeleteIt's an off-shoot, so to speak, of Flamenco, but mostly tries to re-enact the bull fight. Lots of drama
DeleteIt's very fast and serious, but still looks fun!
ReplyDeleteYou would never see this danced in social dancing as it needs its special music and just too dramatic.
DeleteNever heard of this one, would take quite the amount of skill.
ReplyDeleteYou're right. This is a dance that someone who is not "into" dancing would never have heard of
DeleteHow many times I have seen this dance and not known the symbolism. I will watch with new eyes in the future. Thanks.
ReplyDeletePatti
ReplyDeleteI love it because it's so dramatic... like Flamenco, but more from the Spanish than the Gypsies. It all lends into a blend, really.
You are sure teaching all of us a lot about dance!! You are probably the only one out of all of us that can dance!
ReplyDeleteI have to watch doing an apel.... hurts my foot.
Terry,
DeleteThanks. I love the passion and drama of the Paso. I get the same feeling (well, I used to) as when I dance Flamenco and can feel it's power.
They stomp the foot the same way the Flamenco footwork is done. It doesn't hurt if you do it from kicking the foot back. It would hurt a lot if it were done like marching.
wow that is pretty interesting to watch once you are aware of what they are trying to show
ReplyDeletePoke the Rock
DeleteYes, I think dancing is pretty interesting when it tells a story and just plain fun when they use the hips.
Who cares about the costume problem! That was spectacular. I could see the twirling of the cape.
ReplyDeleteBish
DeleteThat gal can really turn but she spots beautifully and doesn't waver a teeny bit. And the cape bit when she did the down to the floor thing...5 times. Terrific.
Now I know what they are aiming for when watching this marvelous dance on DWTZ! Do you cringe a bit when they make all those cape mistakes?
ReplyDeleteI cringe a lot on DWTS but talented as those celebs may be in other areas, it is just not possible to teach dancing in that short time. My god, those people spend probably a minimum of ten years intensive practice. To be at that level a dancer, one has to just about have no relationships. I've seen how much musicians practice, well it's the same with dancing, although most people do not realize it.
DeleteI meant to say DWTS.
ReplyDeleteI know, sweetie.
DeleteI have never heard of this one. Looks like it takes some serious skills!
ReplyDeleteKeith,
DeleteYes, agility is important but it is in most of the dances, too.
WOW...just WOW!!
ReplyDeleteIt is very dramatic. I have seen this one done well and not so well on DWTS. Thank you for sharing the BackStory of the dance.
ReplyDeleteRobin
DeleteThe drama of this dance is so intense, it actually doesn't show up on a little video.
My pleasure.
I watched "Simply Ballroom" long ago, and Pasa Roble was performed, first by a young man trying to impress a girl's father. Then the father performed it, knocking everyone off their feet. I wonder who that man was? What a show dance!
ReplyDeleteSusan
Deleteuuummmm, I don't know who that could be. I've seen just about all the episodes except for one year when I didn't have a TV. It sounds interesting, I would like to see it.
I've heard of the Flamenco, but not the Paso Doble...it looks like a very regal dance.
ReplyDeleteMark
DeleteIt's a show type dance. It would never be danced in a social dance setting. Yes, it's the most fun for me too, because I've done Flamenco for over 60 years.
That looks almost ridiculous when I write it. haha
Hey Manzanita,
ReplyDeleteI just watched the video for the Paso Doble. I'm rather dizzy from watching that. Amazing twirling moves. Must go now.....
Gary :)
Klahanie
DeleteShe is one twirly whirly gal.
Nice to see you.
Damn that takes some kind of skill
ReplyDeleteSure would thrill
As one watches from the side
And they go for a paso doble ride
Which I never heard of as you may guess
But I thought I would confess
Pat....that is such a good rhyme. I love it.
DeleteThe Paso is a Spanish dance
With a bull, you take your chance
You twirl your cape round and round
You hope your lady won't fall down
The matador is strictly haughty
Beware the bull, he may get naughty
Challenging dancing!
ReplyDeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
Bears Noting
Bear,
DeleteVery much so. Who loves a chalenge?
Good to see you.
Manzanita
I think I've seen this on "Dancing With the Stars"...ooh it's exciting!!!
ReplyDeleteturquoisemoon
DeleteOOOOhh it is. It makes you think you are in Spain at a bullfight.
I first became aware of the Paso Doble from watching Strictly Ballroom. Just watched that movie again a couple of days ago because it's one of my favorites. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete