Category: Tips

Whilst pas de deux may seem to be the most dynamic and exhilarating part of a dance performance, it is also the most demanding, technically, physically and emotionally. Whether it is classical in a tutu and pointe shoes or contemporary in unitards, the art of pas de deux does not seem to be a strand of dance that is easily conquered.

In terms of basic preparations, balances and trust are inseparable and must come as one. Considering lyrical and jazz techniques that are easily available to view on television media, it is understandable that a common misconception of pas de deux is that it about awe-inspiring lifting only. Drawing classical ballet into the mix, however, demonstrates that much of the work is based on core strength and the ability to be centered, either by yourself or your partner. The skill of finding a balance in a partner is very difficult, for example, over the female’s supporting leg in a pirouette or arabesque. The female must be responsible for securing her positions in order to create a strong partnership, physically and mentally.

It may be concluded that partner work is more difficult for males than females, as they have to adapt their skills, and even adapt their approach to their dancing, to work as one with their partner and not become uncompromising or tricky to work with, support and lift. Within classical ballet, it may even be necessary for males to employ a parallel or turned-in position, which goes against the usual expectation of turn-out yet is required for stability.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia.

In the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing series 6 in 2008, Camilla Dallerup and partner Tom Chambers were crowned the winners, with Dallerup going on to reveal some Strictly secrets.

The shoes worn by the contestants, including those who have just begun their 2012 stint on the show have been developed over many years by top shoe manufacturers with the input of world class dancers, designed to give them support in the right places and so they can be balanced correctly. The shoes are one of the core elements of making any dance successful – a tap dance performed in pointe shoes, let alone a tutu, would not have quite the same meaning or effect! Latin dancers, as a result, wear specific shoes which enhance their movements and become an extension of their foot.

It is interesting to note that ballroom dancers wear a lower height heel than latin dancers, as latin dancers need their weight further forward onto the balls of their feet… this is just the females alone, with around 3.5 inch heels. The men’s shoes also have Cuban heels which are higher than those worn for ballroom to ensure that their weight is forward toward the front of their foot too. However, ballroom dancing does not require this due to the specific hold the dancers must maintain and the closeness with their partner, with just 2.5 inch heels.

The soles of the shoes worn are made of suede so they have long lives: dancers can also be seen brushing them with a special steel brush to make them non-slippery, or alternatively leave them to their own devices to get shiny and much more slippery. It was revealed, however, that many latin dancers also put castor oil on the soles of their shoes to achieve the ideal non-slip shoes.