The Classical pas de deux

[alison]

Something that's occurred to me recently: is it always the male variation which goes first in a Classical pas de deux?  If so, why do you think that is, assuming it's not sexism?  

[ninamargaret]

I've always thought that it is an old fashioned form of politeness that gives the rather more delicate female a couple of minutes to catch her breath!

[Mary]

Well she usually has more to do doesn't she,  so it makes sense she gets the first rest- then she gets the rousing finale, while the end of his second variation is often half shooed off stage by her whipping across the stage.....