The Dance So Simple That Anyone Can Learn

The Paso Doble is considered one of the easiest Latin dances to learn. It is even thought to be less complicated than learning the Rumba. In various regions of Europe, this simple latin dance is taught in conjunction with other dances such as the Jive and Cha Cha. You may find dancers at a Los Angeles nightclub dancing the salsa, or the tango in the Dominican Republic. It is not uncommon to see dancers in Greece dance the Paso Doble socially. It is shocking to know that in a large part of the world, Beginner Latin dancers are never taught this simple dance.
No matter what part of the world you are from, whether it is Portugal, Dubai, or even Durham, North Carolina, our professional dance instructors at Fred Astaire Dance Studio will show you just how easy this Latin dance really is. Keep on reading and you’ll agree that Paso Doble is a simple and fun dance to add to your repertoire.

Origins of the Paso Doble

Before you can learn the steps, you must know the background and history of the Paso Doble.
Also known as the Pasodoble, it can be dated back centuries ago was primarily used as victory dance by bullfighters. It gained so much popularity that among the villagers that they would dance to the festive music for hours on end.

The Basic Steps of The Paso Doble

If you are portraying the role of a leader, you would start by standing on your left foot. The follower would stand on their right foot. The leader would always step off with their right foot. While the one portraying the role of the follower would always step off with their left foot.
The next step would be to take small steps with the ball of your feet. Count to yourself, one – two, one – two. That is just how simple the Paso Doble is.

Those are just the basic steps, mix in a few variations to add some colorful flare to your dance routine.

• • Chasse to The Right

Step to the right, dance close, to the side, dance close and to the side.

• • Chasse to The Left

Step to the left, dance to the side, dance close, to the side, and dance close.

• • Basic Movement Back

Taking small steps to the back

• • Basic Movement Forward

Taking small steps forward

• • Sur Place

Dancing the basic steps of the Paso Doble while staying in place.

Walking in the Paso Doble

While taking the small one-two steps, you can use a series of walking steps. Start by standing in a closed position. The leader would be standing with their right foot, walk forward, left foot and right foot. You can end with your feet together by closing with a left foot then right.
The follower would be mirroring the leader. You can walk in two ways:

• • The Attack

This movement is used to move from one spot of the dance floor to the next. Instead of small steps on the ball of your feet, you would use a normal length step.

• • Promenade Close

Some dancers also choose to walk in a promenade fashion. While beginning in the promenade position, both dancers would be moving forward. The leader would then turn their back to face the follower.

The Appeal of the Appel

A big part of dancing and most fun is the dramatic and theatrical elements added to the routine. Known as The Appel, this is the stamping of the foot on the dance floor. This step mimics a bullfight when the Matador is calling to the bull. But in dance, it is when the leader signals to the follower that they are about to begin moving.

It’s Your Move Now

Now that you have the basic idea of how to dance the Paso Doble, start dancing. Turn on the radio, and find a song that suits you. You will be shocked by how many songs go well with the Paso Doble.

Want To Know More?

Though the Paso Doble is a simple and easy dance to learn. We feel that most dancers learn better with dance lessons from an instructor. Contact us today to schedule a private dance lesson or group class.