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Latin technique5 minutes

Paso Doble Chassé: Dance confidently sideways as a couple

By Bernhard De LucaUpdated

In short
  • For this simple chassé exercise, dance side, close, side, close over four even counts.
  • Each step takes your full weight, even when you simply close your feet together.
  • As a couple, move as mirror images with equal-sized steps along the same sideways line.
  • Start without music and add the beat only when you can close your feet without dragging them.

A barely noticeable foot closure can interrupt the entire sideways movement. Especially with small steps, you can immediately tell whether you really arrive together or one of you has to bring the other along on the next step.

What you need for the exercise

  • Dance shoes with soles that glide in a controlled way
  • An open, level space for short side steps
  • Ability to stand securely on one foot at a time
  • A familiar, comfortable partner hold
  • Music with a clearly audible, steady Paso Doble pulse

The Closing Step Is a Step of Its Own

Chassé describes a movement in which one foot steps sideways and the other closes to it. To get started, practise two such step pairs in a row: side step, close, side step, close. That makes four steps over four even beats. This exercise contains no turn and no extra acceleration between beats.

The key difference is between touching down and putting your weight on a foot. When your right foot closes to your left, it is not enough to place its toe beside it. Your body weight must arrive over your right foot so your left becomes free again. Your feet stand side by side, without crossing over or pressing against each other. Keep your knees supple and your upper body upright; leaning to the side is no substitute for shifting your weight.

In a couple, left does not mean the same thing for both partners: your left side step corresponds to your partner’s right side step. This means you both move in the same direction through the room. If you are still having trouble putting your weight on one foot, the guide to dance classes for beginners explains how to get started. The overview of Cha-Cha-Cha, Rumba, Jive and Paso Doble shows where Paso Doble fits into group Latin classes.

A small gap between your feet when they're together is more helpful than forcing them tightly together.
A small gap between your feet when they're together is more helpful than forcing them tightly together.

Practice the side chasse in four counts

  1. Take the weight off your starting foot

    Start alone with your weight on your right foot, with your left foot next to it and unweighted. Briefly lift it without shifting your weight: if you can do this smoothly, it is free to take the first side step. Your partner starts later, mirroring you on their left foot.

  2. Step Sideways to the Left

    On “one,” place your left foot a little to the left and transfer your weight onto it. Leave your right foot where it is. You’ve arrived when you can lift your right foot without using momentum and your upper body doesn’t lean to the side.

  3. Close to the right and transfer your weight

    On “two,” bring your right foot next to your left and transfer your weight fully onto your right foot. Keep your feet parallel and relaxed, close together. Pause briefly: your left foot should now be free, without you first shifting to the right again.

  4. Repeat the step pair

    Step to the left again on “three,” then close with your right foot on “four,” transferring your weight. Finish the four steps consciously in a standing position. You should once again have your weight on your right foot and be able to continue with your left, without adding an extra balancing step.

  5. Match Your Step Length as a Couple

    Take your usual dance hold and dance the same four-count sequence without music. Your partner starts by stepping to the right and closes with the left. First choose the smaller of your two comfortable step lengths; the sequence is successful if the distance between your upper bodies stays the same.

  6. Set the sequence to music

    First listen to four steady beats, then start together with “one, two, three, four”. Each foot placement gets one beat. Repeat the sequence only when the path is clear, and finish with a weighted final step instead of trying to save the tempo by hurriedly catching up.

Keeping your journey together peaceful

Just like that

  • Keep the steps small enough for both of you to stay centered
  • Keep your hands at the same height for all four steps
  • Align your feet side by side when closing
  • If you lose the count, start again together in place

Not like this

  • Force the larger step despite leaning to the side
  • Bob your hands up and down every time your feet come together
  • Cross the closing foot behind the supporting foot
  • Catch up with your partner using a quick extra step

Your quick practice check

Before the first run-through

Start

After the run-through without music

Review

After the run-through with music

Result

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. No, this simple Paso Doble exercise has four even counts, with no Cha-Cha subdivision. You take exactly one step on each beat and put your weight on it. So don't automatically transfer a familiar “cha-cha-cha” to the closing step, as that would change the timing of the even sequence you are practicing here.

Latin classes for your next side steps

In a Latin class, you can practice closing your feet with guidance and coordinate your step size with your partner.

See all matching classes

Practice closing your feet together

On udansa, you can find dance partners to repeat short Paso Doble practice sessions with. In your search, describe that you'd like to practice side chassés and full weight transfers as a couple.

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Practice closing your feet together

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