The Paso Doble is the most dramatic and exciting of the Latin Dances danced in competitions.  The Paso Doble is rarely danced as a social dance. 

It is the Depiction of a Bull Fight.  The man is the matador in the bullring.  The lady represents his cape and her patterns depict the movement of the cape as the bull passes.  The strong, proud stance by the man should be maintained at all times. 

The Paso Doble was originally the Spanish one-step, and first became popular in the 1930's.

Fast and dramatic.  The Matador and his cape.

Footwork:

Footwork varies for different elements:
 Heel/Flat, Ball , or Ball/Flat action
 

*Note  1. Generally, walking steps are taken with heel leads.

*Note 2.  The Basic Movement, Sur Place and Chasse are danced on the balls of the feet or with the heels touching lightly.  
 

Tempo: 

58 - 62 MPM

       Paso Doble Rhythm:
Count:
  1      2     1      2      1      2     1      2

Patterns can be danced in counts of 8 and 16 to keep within the phrasing of the music.
 

There are various additional counts that can also be used in advanced variations, such as in syncopated and holding actions and floor lines.