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With six of the remaining eleven couples tackling the Paso Doble tomorrow, we've asked pro dancer Darren Bennett a few questions about this dramatic Latin dance...
How would you describe the Paso Doble?
The Paso Doble is an intensely passionate dance about a Spanish bullfight. The man plays the part of the matador while the lady plays the part of three roles: the cape, the bull and the Spanish flamenco dancer. It's all about interplay, intimacy and the passion between the two people.
What would you say is the hardest part of the dance?
The hardest part is creating the interplay within the partnership. If the couple doesn't connect well in this dance, it's very difficult to create the shapes that the judges will be looking out for.
What will each judge be looking out for?
Len will be looking for a good element of technique and quality movement. Arlene wants to see the passion in the dance, the connection between the couple and how they work together in the interplay. Bruno will be looking out for an all-round, full-on dramatic performance, while Craig will identify posture, movement and the way the dancers use their feet.
How do you go about choreographing a Paso Doble routine?
Choreographically, the Paso Doble is very much the man's dance. The role of the lady is to make the man look good and be slightly submissive. You've got to make sure you've got a very good beginning, middle and end. The Paso Doble is all about story-telling and making the audience feel involved in the dance.
Describe the footwork that people should be looking out for...
There's a great use of feet and ankles in this dance. When going forward, you want to make sure that a very strong heel lead is being used. The hips should be slightly over the feet and slightly more open. You want to actually feel that the back leg is being dragged behind you to create the right feeling.
What tips would you give the couples for Saturday?
The men should imagine that they're carrying barrels under their arms in order to create the correct frame. The hips should be slightly forward and rotated away from the lady, because the hips of a matador would always be facing away from the bull. A good use of shaping through the body is very important for the men in this dance.
The ladies need to sell the story with their arms and hands to create a really strong and passionate feeling for the dance.
The couple should never take their eyes off each other. They have to invite the audience in to watch as opposed to dancing to them - it's all about the two people on the floor.
Describe the Paso Doble in three words...
Passionate, intense and dramatic
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