Paso Doble ....

is the story and music of the Spanish bullfights played at bullfights during the bullfighters' entrance (paseo) or during the passes (faena) just before the kill. Paso Doble means "two step" in Spanish and this dance - thanks to Pierre Lavelle - became popular amongst the upper classes of Paris in the 1930's and acquired a set of french names for many of the steps and has still only limited popularity amongst english speaking society.

There are places in Spain, France, Vietnam, Australia and Germany where it is danced regularly as a social dance. Paso Doble is based on the leader of this dance who plays the part of the Matador. The follower generally plays the part of the Matador's cape, but can also represent the bull and is danced with a high chest, the shoulders wide and down, and with the head kept back but inclined slightly forwarhd and down (the bullfight nature of the dance). The woman's role varies depending on the interpretation of the dance. The woman can take the role of the Matador's cape, the bull or even the Matador at different times within the dance. Characteristics of the Paso Doble are the "marching" flavour given ito the steps and the cape movements creating tension between both dancers.

España Cañí
Beat: 2/4, Tempo: 60-62 measures per minute
Count: 1-2 / left-right; 3 Highlights

The "Chassez Cape" is when the man uses the woman as the cape in order to turn her around. "Apel" is when the man stamps his foot as if trying to attract the bull's attention. During the dance the use of castenets is simulated. The "Apel" is a commencement of a movement with the stamping of the feet where the man and woman walk in different directions. It is often choreographed to the "Spanish Gypsy Dance" which has three crescendos in the music. These highlights are usually matched in the choreography by dramatic poses, adding to the spectacular nature of this dance.