Learn the Copperhead Road Line Dance: Steps, Song History, and More

Do you enjoy a lively line dance? The easier a line dance is to learn, the more people are likely to join in and have fun. The Copperhead Road Line Dance perfectly fits this description – it’s both entertaining and simple to pick up.

The Story Behind Copperhead Road

While the choreographer of the Copperhead Road line dance remains unknown, the history of the song “Copperhead Road” is well-documented. The song narrates a tale of illegal activities on “Big Dry Run,” a road in Tennessee that is locally known as Copperhead Road. During the Prohibition era, bootleggers utilized this secluded road to conceal their moonshine operations. Later, following the Vietnam War, the bootlegger’s son returns to this same road to cultivate marijuana illegally.

The Reality of the Legend

Steve Earle penned and released “Copperhead Road” in 1988. Although Earle claimed the story was fictional, locals confirm that Copperhead Road in Tennessee was indeed a hotspot for bootlegging and marijuana cultivation. One local informant even suggested that the term “copperhead” refers to the copper tubing used in the condenser of a moonshine still. Purchasing copper could alert authorities to illicit activities, and it could “bite you” like a copperhead snake, hence the road’s ominous name.

Copperhead Road Line Dance Tutorial

Ready to try the dance? Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you moving to the beat of Copperhead Road.

4 Forward Kicks:
- Kick right foot forward, stomp right foot.
- Kick left foot forward, stomp left foot.
- Kick right foot forward, stomp right foot.
- Kick left foot forward, stomp left foot.
- Counts: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
Right Foot Heel & Toe Struts:
- Extend right heel diagonally forward to the right.
- Bring right toes inward across in front of left knee.
- Extend right heel diagonally forward to the right again.
- Stomp right foot down.
- Counts: 1, 2, 3, 4.
Left Foot Heel & Toe Struts:
- Extend left heel diagonally forward to the left.
- Bring left toes inward across in front of right knee.
- Extend left heel diagonally forward to the left again.
- Stomp left foot down.
- Counts: 5, 6, 7, 8.
Repeat 4 Forward Kicks:
- Kick right foot forward, stomp right foot.
- Kick left foot forward, stomp left foot.
- Kick right foot forward, stomp right foot.
- Kick left foot forward, stomp left foot.
- Counts: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
Rock, Replace, Side, Close with Quarter Turns (Two Times):
- Rock forward on right foot.
- Replace weight back onto left foot.
- Step right foot to the side.
- Close left foot beside right foot, making a ¼ turn to the left.
- Counts: 1, 2, 3, 4.
- Repeat the Rock, Replace, Side, Close with another ¼ turn to the left.
- Counts: 5, 6, 7, 8.
Repeat from the beginning and keep dancing until the song ends!

Credits

We extend our gratitude to dancers William Hooker and Holly Tomazin for their energetic demonstration. They truly know how to kick up their heels! This tutorial was filmed at Adventures in Dance studio. Special thanks to Craig Tomazin for his camerawork. Stay tuned for more exciting dance tutorials coming soon.

Holly Collins Tomazin provides expert Wedding Dance Instruction and Dance Lessons. She is a Certified Licentiate in Ballroom, Latin, Smooth & Rhythm with ISTD, DIVDA, FADS, & Arthur Murray’s, and the author of Holly’s Hot Wedding Tips and Historically Accurate Princess Dances. Holly is a Winner of The Knot Hall of Fame for best wedding dance instruction, recognized as a top 50 Dance Blog, a Champion Ballroom Dancer & Coach, and the owner of Adventures in Dance. Contact her at 720-276-0562 or [email protected], and visit www.adventuresindance.com.