What is a pas de deux in dance

The content of the article

• Pas de deux
• Introductory part of the pas de deux
• Adagio
• Male and female solos
• Dance code
• Pas de deux in ballet

To understand what the pas de deux is, let us turn to the era of the 19th century, when the famous performers and directors of ballet actively developed ballet art. To demonstrate sophisticated dance technique, dramatic moments in classical dance a sophisticated technique appeared. One of them is called the term “Pas de deux”, from the French “dance for two”. This is the output of a pair of protagonists with a certain sequence of ballet movements. Belongs to the main positions of exemplary ballet, as well as pas de trois.

Pas de deux

Pas de deux (French) – Pas – step; deux – two, “step of both”) denotes a large double number (dance). The performers of which are the main characters of the production, represents interaction with each other, like a duet scene. The simultaneous presence and position of a third dancer for classical ballet is called the pas de trois form. Technically the most difficult to perform, an impressive part of the ballet. Has its own established structure:

• joint appearance of performers (entree);
• paired lyric fragment (adagio);
• variations (solo) of the dancer;
• variations (solo) of the dancer;
• joint ending (coda).

Introductory part of the pas de deux

Entre (translated from French “entree” – introduction, exit to the stage). Extremely elegant, introductory part of the paired episode of the pas de deux. You can find out when the entre began, with the appearance on the stage of one or more leading performers. This pre-adagio artistic outlet often carries the role of exposure. Where the acting game of steps and gestures symbolizes a smooth approximation of dynamic action between the characters of the production.

Adagio

The Adagio of ballet dance forms is a slow part of the work. The following symptoms are characteristic of it:

• melodious lyrical musical accompaniment;
• movements from wide and smooth combinations.

The central part of the musical choreographic form is called “adagio” – a common form of dance art for a duet. The ballet number of leading performers continues together, at a slow pace. Accompaniment of unhurried music helps dance to gain expressiveness, smooth transition and dynamism of positions.

Male and female solos

To understand what is special about the pas de deux, evaluate solo variations. In these short, choreographically completed dance studies, the leading actor changes the plot line of the performance. There are solos for male dance and solo in female dance. Rare cases of choreography consisting at this stage of difficult to perform, individual elements. The viewer’s attention focuses on short, artistic, but technically sophisticated movements..

Dance code

Following in contrast to the solo part, the action moves to the fastest part of the dance – the joint codes. The final element of the construction of the pas de deux consists of the most virtuoso jumps and spins. Often you can see air support, gymnastic and acrobatic pirouettes. The precise execution of accelerated pa around its axis creates a spectacular climax. This series of rotation codes is called fouet..

Pas de deux in ballet

Masters and dancers at the beginning of the development of ballet art already knew what the pas de deux was. The initial form was pas de trois (three performers). When the technique and dramatic construction of the ballet became more complicated, the trio was replaced by a duet. Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, Anastasia. Representing a “dance dialogue”, some of the famous pas de deux are performed at the very climax – the ballet “Giselle”. In other storylines, such as Margarita and Arman, is found throughout the action. Pas de deux is a striking decoration of any ballet performance.