The Pride of spain: The Spanish Gypsy Dance

The Paso Doble is an arrogant and passionate dance form that is modeled based on the sound, drama and movement of the Spanish Bullfight. The word literally means double step. The Paso Doble music is typically played in bullfights during the bullfighters' entrance to the ring (paseo) or during the passes (faena) just before the kill. Its origins are in Southern France and gained popularity in the US in the 1930s. This is a couple dance.

In the traditional form, the leader(male) plays the matador while his lady plays the matador's cape or the shadow of the matador, as well as the bull or a flamenco dancer.In the ballroom style, Paso Doble, like Samba, is a progressive International Latin dance. It resembles the International Standard style in which the forward steps are taken with the heel lead, the frame is wider and more strictly kept up, and less hip movement.


The main tune of Paso Doble being the España Cañi (the spanish gypsy dance) by Pascal Marquina, all the songs are variants of this tune with the 1-2-1-2 march beat.Due to its choreography, this dance form is performed on stage and not danced socially. This dance should exhibit pride, strength and dignity. The main steps are Sur Place (on the spot), Separation, Attack, Huit, Open Promenade to Open Counter Promenade, Spanish Line, Promenade Close, Flamenco Taps, etc.The pace is 60-63 beats per minute.