Paso Doble Dance Classes In Ottawa
Paso Doble With Drama
Paso Doble dance classes at DQ Ballroom & Fitness Ottawa teach the Spanish flamenco-rooted International Latin dance with a march rhythm and dramatic bullfight imagery. It is one of the five International Latin dances and is typically taught at intermediate level once dancers have the Latin technique base from Cha Cha or Rumba.
Paso Doble Classes For Beginners
Find The March
Beginner Paso Doble teaches the marching basic, the appel (a sharp foot accent), the spanish line, the chassé to right, and the promenade close. The character work is unusual for new Latin dancers, so we focus on the strong frame and the marching feel before adding figures.
- checkMarching basic and appel
- checkSpanish line shapes
- checkChassé to right
- checkPromenade close
Paso Doble Classes For Intermediate Dancers
Tell The Bullfight
Intermediate Paso Doble expands to the Sixteen, the Huit, the Travelling Spins, and the Twist Turn. We work on the dramatic shapes, the timing of the bullfight story arc, and the partnership work that lets the lead "spin the cape" convincingly.
- checkSixteen and Huit
- checkTravelling Spins
- checkTwist Turn
- checkStory-arc timing
Your First Class
A quick look at how a class actually flows from start to finish.
- 015 min early
Arrive and sign in
Sign in at reception, change shoes, and meet your instructor.
- 02~5 min
Warm-up
A short warm-up to set posture and alignment. The figures we build later all sit on top of this.
- 03~30 min
Learn the figures
Your instructor breaks down each step in small pieces, demonstrates with a partner, then walks you through it slowly with the music.
- 04~15 min
Practice
Run through the figures with your partner. Your instructor circulates to give individual feedback and corrections.
Find Your Spot In A Paso Doble Class
Paso Doble is the dance that surprises people — nothing else in the Latin syllabus feels quite like it. Whether you're drawn to the drama, the music, or the challenge, it rewards every hour you put in. Browse the schedule and pick a class that fits your week.
Paso Doble is taught at DQ Ballroom & Fitness as part of our International Latin program. If Paso Doble catches your interest, you might also enjoy our other International Latin dances. You can also browse all of our dance classes to see the full lineup.
Real Reviews From Real Dancers
Pulled from our Google profile.
50+ Google reviews
“The best dance studio in Ottawa. It has a huge dance floor, perfect for International Ballroom. They offer classes for all ages, all levels and various styles, with world-class instructors.”
Karen Lo
a year ago
“Melanie helped us create the perfect choreo for our wedding dance. She was amazing, always nice and patient, extremely professional and experienced. She made us feel comfortable and we made a lot of progress.”
Rebecca Scano
10 months ago
“Melanie & Lionel are excellent instructors, very knowledgeable and fun to work with. The studio has a beautiful dance floor, one of the most spacious in Ottawa. The Friday dance parties and special events are my favourite, not to be missed!”
Mirka Strmiskova
a year ago
“I am very satisfied to dance at DQ where I have learned to dance with precision, style and control. Instructors are highly skilled, teach with a sense of humour, and adapt to your learning objectives.”
Yvan Beaulieu
a year ago
“A welcoming dance studio for all ages and dance experience. The instructors are knowledgeable and patient. Lots of styles to choose from on the schedule and the prices are fair. Having a really nice time in the group classes as well as the social dances.”
Catherine H
a year ago
“If you're looking for a dance studio in Ottawa, whether you have zero experience or you're a seasoned dancer, this is your sign to stop looking and try DQ Ballroom & Fitness.”
Clara Miller
a year ago
Common Questions
The questions we hear most from new students.
Is Paso Doble suitable for beginners?expand_more
Paso Doble is taught at intermediate level and works best when you already have some experience with partner dancing. If you're new to Latin dance, start with any of our beginner Latin classes and you'll be ready for Paso Doble sooner than you think.
What music is Paso Doble danced to?expand_more
Spanish-style march music at roughly 60 beats per minute. The traditional competition track is "España Cañí". Many flamenco-influenced tracks fit Paso Doble timing.
Is Paso Doble used socially or only competitively?expand_more
Mostly competitively and at showcases. It is rarely played at social parties because the character work is so specific. Most of our Paso Doble students take it for the technique and the showcase appeal rather than for social dancing.
Is the bullfight imagery required?expand_more
The character work is part of the syllabus, but it is interpreted through movement, not literal acting. The lead's strong frame and the follow's spinning shapes are what carry the story.
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Sign Up For A Paso Doble Class
Browse the schedule, pick a class that fits your week, and reserve your spot.