Paso Doble History

The Paso Doble is closely associated to bull fighting. It is therefore interesting to find out when bull fighting started. The oldest trace of bull fighting dates back to 1080. From then until the 17th century, bull fighting was a sport quite enjoyed by the aristocrats and royal families.

Bull fighting arose when food had to be derived from the death of animal. In ancient times, bull fighting was also related to religion, when different kinds of animals were killed for worship. But today, the bull is the only kind of animal used in bull fighting. In fact, bull fighting is referred as “Fiesta” and is a highly protected national sport.

The music of Paso Doble is actually the tune played for the grand entrance of the matador into the bull-fighting ring. It is written in such a way as to arouse excitement of bull fighting. The Paso Doble tune was produced during the late 1800s, and is related to the musical styles of the Gypsies, now known as Romani, who are nomads living all across Central Asia and different parts of Europe.

Gypsy music uses guitars and castanets as its instruments. Significant changes in tempo, attractive melody and polished rhythm are some characteristics of such music. The 1926 El Riccardio in Europe was a biggest hit. During this period, there is record of a Spanish-style dance called “One Step”, which bears a close resemblance to the dance style of Paso Doble today. In 1932, a song called Espana Cani (Spanish Gypsy Dance) was written, which is now a signature Paso Doble piece.

The Paso Doble as we know it today was invented in Southern France, and Pierre Lavelle made it popular with the upper crust of Paris in the 1930s. The close proximity to Spain was undoubtedly its inspiration. Although the French copied the Spanish music and movements, they named the steps in French. The Sur Place and Huit, for example. The dance is an elaborate pantomime of a bullfight, where the matador dances proudly around, confronts his enemy (the bull) and eventually emerges victorious. Movements by the male are proud and quick, in strong defiance, while the hand and arm gestures (particularly of the female) are often graceful and fluid.

Sometimes referred to as the Spanish One step, the “paso” as it is affectionately known is a dance of the bullfight which portrays the Toreador (bullfighter) and his partner is the cape (cappa or capa).
The Paso Doble is the only Latin Dance which is not coming from the "Negro" culture. The peak in popularity of this dance was in 1926. After World War II the Paso Doble was accepted as a Competition Dance.
The United States first began taking notice of the dance in the 1930s, however it has never really caught on in the English-speaking countries because it is not a dance you can do without a lot of experience. For this reason, it is a great opportunity for seasoned dancers to learn something novel that will be received well by audiences.