History of the Paso Doble
It is thought that the music of the Paso Doble originated as early as the 1730s as part of the Spanish military. The dance, however, actually has French origins and means “Two Step.” It is thought that these two steps are the right-left marches the military used to conduct. However, when the music of Paso Doble became consistent so did the story of the dance. In it, the dancers portray the respect between the Spanish bullfighter and the bull.
About the Dance
The Paso Doble remains the only ballroom dance to have a consistent story. The song itself “Espana Cani” remains the most widely used Paso Doble song that has a set start and stop that dancers create choreography to. The steps have retained the original march feel and can often be found in Flamenco.
Recommended Music List for Beginners
- Espana Cani, Gennaro
- Espana Cani, Orquesta Carrasco
- Spanish Gypsy Dance, Irving Cottler Orchestra
- Don’t Cry for Me Argentina, Latin Jam
- El Pico, Orquesta Torres Avila
- Espana Ole, Orquesta Tarde De
- Amor Espanol, Gunter Noris
- Punta Prima, Ross Mitchell
- Espana Cani, Jack Hansen
- Espana Cani, Passion Jam