United States Dressage Federation

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Components of Pas de Deux

The components of Pas de Deux are:

• the score sheet,
• the choreography,
• the music,
• and the editing.

The Score Sheet:

The technical requirements of each level reflect the training and balance expected in the compulsory tests at that level. Technical Execution affects fifty percent of the total score, revealing the need for competence and ease in the execution of the movements. In Pas de Deux, the compulsory elements are judged as: Performance as a Pair (spacing, alignment, synchrony), Accuracy and Quality of Execution, and Impulsion and Submission. Compulsory movements are not scored individually, but are taken as a whole, thus emphasizing the need for solid technical execution.

Artistic Impression is the remaining fifty percent of the score and is comprised of Harmony Between Horses and Riders, Choreography, and Musicality.

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Choreography:

The choreography must incorporate all the technical requirements listed on the score sheet for the level the team has declared. All requires elements must be done by both horses and performed on both reins.

Choreography includes: balance, creativity, difficulty, and construction (design). Pas de Deux offers the opportunity for horses and riders to dance side by side, and or as mirror images, and or in-line as in follow the leader. These variations can all be incorporated into the choreography, adding dimension and visual appeal to both judges and spectators. Good choreography flows from one movement to the next with the music; utilizing the whole arena, and demonstrating the ease of the side-by-side, mirror images, and in-line variations.

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Music:

Music selection should serve to accentuate the two horse and rider pairs. Matching strict tempo to both horses is not required. The music chosen must suggest the gait, and provide musical phrasing that can be interpreted through choreography. Does the musical phrase sound like a ten-meter circle? Does it sound like a leg yield or a half pass? Music for Pas de Deux is a wellspring of choices: classical, rock, jazz, pop, Broadway, soundtracks, even vocals. Just as in musical freestyles, maintaining a theme throughout is paramount. It is important to stay within the same musical genre. Using jazz for the trot and rock for the canter is jarring for both judges and audience. Pas de Deux offers riders a wonderful opportunity to tell a story through music and movements.

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Editing:

Smooth editing is essential, especially since it is part of the music score. Transitions between the musical selections must flow without gaps or pauses. These "hiccups" of bad editing cause judges and spectators to loose their connection with your performance. Digital editing allows music to be edited note by note for a seamless musical program. This can be done in a professional studio or on a home PC that has a software-editing package.

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