pas de deux

[ French pahduh dœ ]

noun

, Ballet.

, plural pas de deux.

1. a dance by two persons.
2. (in classical ballet) a set dance for a ballerina and a danseur noble, consisting typically of an entrée, an adagio, a variation for each dancer, and a coda.

pas de deux

/ pɑddø /

noun

1. ballet a sequence for two dancers

Word History and Origins

Origin of pas de deux¹

1755–65; < French: literally, step for two

Word History and Origins

Origin of pas de deux¹

French: step for two

Example Sentences

Their performance glowed, and not just because it was newsworthy: This was the first pairing of two nonbinary dancers in a major pas de deux at City Ballet.

From New York Times

Their partnership has a rounded sophistication that can be rare in a contemporary pas de deux.

From New York Times

A young romance backed by a cheeky ukulele number abuts beautiful acrobatic pas de deux, lit by actor-held spotlights.

From Seattle Times

It takes them years to truly come together, a moment marked by a final sweeping pas de deux full of swooning turns and breathless lifts that tilt and spiral.

From New York Times

A recent weekday rehearsal at ABT’s studios found the two going over some intricate pas de deux, or duets — navigating tricky lifts, smoothing over trouble spots, figuring out pacing.

From Seattle Times