Paso Doble
A dramatic Spanish march in 2/4 built around slip steps, a bold change of edge and a run of deep cross rolls at a fast tempo.
Not checked yet. The mechanics on this page are a first draft by a non-expert, and no coach has seen them yet. Read them as a starting point and check them with a coach. Corrections are very welcome.
The dance
Paso Doble in 2/4, 112 beats a minute. The hold is outside, then closed from step 16, outside from step 18, open from step 21. The partners skate different steps. 29 steps and 32 beats to one pattern.
| Step | Hold | Lead | Follow | Beats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Outside | LFO | RBO | 1 |
| 2 | RFI-Pr | LBI-Pr | 1 | |
| 3 | LFO | RBO | 1 | |
| 4 | RFI-Ch | LBI-Ch | 1 | |
| 5 | LFO | RBO | 1 | |
| 6 | RFI-Ch | LBI-Ch | 1 | |
| 7 | LFO | RBO | 1 | |
| 8 | RF-Lff Slip Step | LB-Rff Slip Step | 1 | |
| 9 | LF-Rff Slip Step | RB-Lff Slip Step | 1 | |
| 10 | XF-RFO | XB-LBO | 1 | |
| 11 | XB-LFIO | XF-RBIO | 0.5 + 0.5 | |
| 12 | XF-RFI | XB-LBI | 1 | |
| 13 | LFO | RBO | 1 | |
| 14 | RFI-Pr | XB-LBI | 1 | |
| 15 | XB-LFO OpCSt | RBO | 1 | |
| 16 | Closed | RBO | XF-LBI | 1 |
| 17 | LBI | RFI | 2 | |
| 18 | Outside | RBO | LFO | 1 |
| 19 | XF-LBI | XB-RFI | 1 | |
| 20a | RBO | LFO | 1 | |
| 20b | Changing | RFI-Ch | 1 | |
| 21 | Open | LFO | LFO | 1 |
| 22 | RFI-Ch | RFI-Ch | 1 | |
| 23 | LFO | LFO | 1 | |
| 24 | RFI-Pr | RFI-Pr | 1 | |
| 25 | LFO | LFO | 1 | |
| 26 | CR-RFO | CR-RFO | 1 | |
| 27 | CR-LFO | CR-LFO | 1 | |
| 28 | CR-RFO-SwR | CR-RFO-SwR RFI OpCSt | 3 |
The steps are in the rulebook's own notation: foot, direction and edge, with Pr for a progressive, Ch for a chassé, SwR for a swing roll, XB and XF for a cross step behind or in front, 3 for a three turn, CSt and SSt for C and S steps, Op for open and Cl for closed. From the step chart in US Figure Skating's 2026-27 rulebook.
The Paso Doble draws on bullring music, and US Figure Skating asks for strong body control and precise footwork. It opens in outside hold with a progressive and two chassés, then reaches its oddest moment: steps 8 and 9 are slip steps, skated on the flat with both blades on the ice while the free foot slides past to full extension, knees bent or straight.
The rulebook singles out the change of edge on step 11, which should push the pattern into a clear outward bulge, and calls the cross rolls on steps 26 to 28 the hardest part of the dance, since deep edges need supple knees at this tempo. The follow partner restarts with a quick open C step on the “and” count.
British Ice Skating lists the Paso Doble at National 8, one of five dances to choose from. US Figure Skating tests it at Pre-gold.
Appears in
In the UK's grades
No test syllabus recorded yet.