Horses to Perform at Dressage Show and Pas de Deux

In ballet, a Pas de Deux, French for steps of two, is a duet in which ballet dancers perform the dance together. The same can be said for pairs of horses and their riders who will dance in unison this weekend, during the annual at Morven Park.

The two day event will kick off with a Summer Fling Dressage Show that will feature over 150 horses who have registered to compete in the elegant, yet competitive sport. Horses will perform their requested movements during the day followed by a musical freestyle routine choreographed for both horse and rider, later that night.

“The difference between regular dressage and the Pas de Deux is almost like the difference between figure skating compulsories and couples’ freestyle routines. The riders really get to show how creative they can be,” said Assistant Director of Development and Communications Teresa Davenport, who added that the entire evening will be uniquely entertaining. “ Although I love the precision and discipline of dressage, it will be fun to see just how creative the riders get in terms of music selection, theme, and routines.”

The program will involve a number of performances, including eight musical freestyles, four Pas de Deux’s and a quadrille, where four horses will dance together.

“Dressage principles are a step by step progression from simple to increasingly complex movements. It should look like the rider is doing nothing while the horse is doing all of the interesting things underneath them,” said Equestrian Events Manager Shannon Pedlar. “It requires the strength and agility of gymnastics with the elegance and beauty of ballet. It’s visually entertaining and with the music it should be a lot of fun.”

Although this weekend will display an Equestrian sport, Pedlar said it’s a basic training discipline for any horse. The event is taken very seriously, she said, and national governing bodies will over the running of it.

“It’s very different and very unique,” Pedlar said. “Most people who have come to the Pas de Deux in the past will come back every year after that. It’s just a really beautiful thing to watch.”

The Summer Fling Dressage Show will take place this Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm. The Pas de Deux Challenge is scheduled from 4:30 to 8 pm Saturday evening.

General admission to the event is $5 per person and young children are free. VIP tickets will also be available for $75 and will include hors d’oeuvres and cash bar access. All proceeds will benefit the Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Foundation at .