What is pas de deux? In ballet, there is such a term for pair dance. In the circus this is an equestrian number on two horses. In equestrian sport - a pair of riders to the music.
Origin of the term
Since the ballet adopted French terminology, many terms include the word "pa" / In itself, it means "step". Additions to the main word determine which form is executed, how many participants are involved in it, and even in what sequence and in how many parts the composition will be performed.
There are several forms: pas de trois (dance of the trio), pas de catr (quartet of dancers), but the pas de deux has become the most lyrical. This is a four-piece dancer duo .
During the rapid development of ballet, and it was in the nineteenth century, interesting ballet forms arose. One of them was the performance of a couple (usually a romantic hero and heroine), who in a certain sequence tells the language of the dance about their relationship. This is what pas de deux is in ballet.
Definition and meaning
The Pas de deux is translated from French as “dance together” and has several meanings.
1. The most common is the name of the musical-dance form, which was adopted in ballet from the nineteenth century. The ballerina and dancer take part in this dance. The classic pas de deux consists of the following parts:
- a spectacular exit called entre;
- joint dance to the smooth sounds of adagio;
- alternate solo performances (they are called variations);
- codes, or the final part, including fouet and grand pirouette.
2. In addition to the ballet form, there is another meaning of the term. This is the name of the circus horse number performed by a duet of riders to music. Usually it consists of ballet and acrobatic supports performed by artists on two horses. At the same time, the lower acrobat stands on the backs of two horses running closely to each other. The number demonstrates the supreme skill of the riders, when the horses disperse, performing their part.
Interestingly, this number appeared almost simultaneously with the ballet and largely repeats its choreography. Performed in costumes, revealing romantic images. That's what a pas de deux in a circus is.
3. Another meaning is the name of the discipline of equestrian sport. This is a pair performance to the music of two riders. There are numerous rules for holding a competition, but the viewer will notice the synchronism of movements, the identity of the costumes and the perfect harmonious execution of the elements. Here, too, there is a pirouette, as in ballet. In general, the performance is more like a dance than a sporting event. That's what the pas de deux is in equestrian sport.
In music
The name of the ballet dance has also become a musical form. To understand what pas de deux is in music, one can imagine all four parts of classical dance. The first - entre - is performed to elegant and free music. In the score, it can be andante - a calm pace leading to the next episode - adagio.
This is the slow part with a tuneful, leisurely musical accompaniment. Following are variations of solo parts. In music, they are represented by short sketches. And the composition ends with the quick part, the obligatory musical element of which is the numerous repetition of the episode - several measures. This is for dancers demonstrating fouet. Koda is a name not only ballet, but also musical. It means completion and is often spectacular. After almost always followed by the applause of the audience.
What is the pas de deux in opera
What number is not in the opera? Such a question is present in the final test for the sixth grade. The correct answer: there is no pas de deux in opera. This is a choreographic number with its own specifics, expressing the feelings of the characters in the dance. Opera is a completely different kind of art. In it, feelings are expressed in arias, ariosos, and recitations. In this case, the libretto bears the semantic load.
To understand and love ballet, look at the famous pas de deux from The Nutcracker by P. I. Tchaikovsky - and you can easily explain what it is.