Pas de Deux

Pas de Deux is French for “Step for Two.”  It has traditionally been used to describe dancing with a partner in the art of ballet.  In ballet, with the support of a male partner, the woman can take positions that she would not be able to assume by herself.  As the man lifts the danseuse, she appears to be able to jump higher, turn longer in a promenade and float across the stage above his lifts.

I was first introduced to the term Pas de Deux as a young teen when asked to critique, in a poem, the balcony scene from a Romeo and Juliet ballet production.  I gained an appreciation for the dance and, of course, the story.

Even though the term Pas de Deux is traditionally and typically used to describe partnering in ballet, it can also apply to other dance genres.  Here are some examples of the Pas de Deux in the genres of Hip Hop, Contemporary, and Break Dancing.

Hip Hop Pas de Deux

Contemporary Pas de Deux

Break Dancing Pas de Deux

And since we are approaching the holiday season, I included a stunning Pas de Deux performed by Miyako Yoshida as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Steven McRae as her prince from the Royal Ballet production of The Nutcracker.

Each dance style is striking and passionate.  

Each with distinction. 

All with magnificence.   

Begrudgingly,

BB