Line dancing is a fantastic way to get your feet moving and have a blast, and the Copperhead Road Line Dance is a true crowd-pleaser. Known for being both fun and accessible, this dance is a staple in country dance scenes. Let’s dive into what makes the Copperhead Road Line Dance so special, from its intriguing backstory to easy-to-follow steps that will get you dancing in no time.
The Story Behind Copperhead Road: Song and Dance
While the choreographer of the Copperhead Road Line Dance remains unknown, the origins of the song “Copperhead Road” are well-documented and add a rich layer to the dance itself. The song, penned by Steve Earle and released in 1988, paints a vivid picture of Copperhead Road, a real place in Tennessee known as “Big Dry Run.” This road carries a history steeped in prohibition-era bootlegging, where moonshiners discreetly conducted their illicit trade.
The narrative of the song takes a turn as it follows the bootlegger’s son returning from the Vietnam War. Finding himself back on Copperhead Road, he chooses a different, yet equally illegal, path: growing marijuana in the same hidden locales his father once used for moonshine. This tale of changing vices against the backdrop of a rural road gives the Copperhead Road Line Dance a unique story to tell as you move.
The Truth in the Tale
Steve Earle himself has mentioned that the story in “Copperhead Road” is fictional, yet it resonates with the realities of Copperhead Road in Tennessee. Locals confirm that the area indeed had a reputation for both bootlegging and later, marijuana cultivation. Adding another layer of local lore, it’s said that the term “copperhead” itself might refer to the copper tubing used in moonshine stills. Acquiring copper could raise suspicions of illegal activity, and like a copperhead snake bite, could lead to trouble with the authorities. This gritty, backwoods imagery perfectly complements the energetic and grounded feel of the Copperhead Road Line Dance.
Mastering the Moves: Copperhead Road Line Dance Tutorial
Ready to learn the steps? The Copperhead Road Line Dance is a relatively simple sequence that repeats, making it easy for beginners to pick up quickly. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to get you started:
4 Kicks Forward
This opening sequence sets the rhythm and gets you moving right away.
- Right Kick, Stomp: Kick your right foot forward and then stomp it down. (Counts 1, 2)
- Left Kick, Stomp: Kick your left foot forward and stomp it down. (Counts 3, 4)
- Right Kick, Stomp: Repeat with your right foot. (Counts 5, 6)
- Left Kick, Stomp: Repeat with your left foot. (Counts 7, 8)
4 Count Kick Out (Right Foot)
This section introduces a fun, stylized kick to the side.
- Right Heel Out: Extend your right heel out to the side. (Count 1)
- Right Toe In: Bring your right toe in, crossing it in front of your left knee. (Count 2)
- Right Heel Out: Extend your right heel back out to the side. (Count 3)
- Right Foot Stomp: Stomp your right foot down. (Count 4)
4 Count Kick Out (Left Foot)
Mirroring the previous step, now you’ll work the left side.
- Left Heel Out: Extend your left heel out to the side. (Count 5)
- Left Toe In: Bring your left toe in, crossing it in front of your right knee. (Count 6)
- Left Heel Out: Extend your left heel back out to the side. (Count 7)
- Left Foot Stomp: Stomp your left foot down. (Count 8)
4 Count Rock & Turn
This part adds a bit of movement across the floor and a quarter turn to keep things interesting.
- Right Foot Rock Forward: Rock forward onto your right foot. (Count 1)
- Left Foot Replace Back: Shift your weight back, replacing your right foot with your left. (Count 2)
- Right Foot Side: Step your right foot to the side. (Count 3)
- Left Foot Close, ¼ Turn Left: Bring your left foot to close next to your right foot, completing a ¼ turn to the left. (Count 4)
- Repeat 4 Count Rock: Repeat the 4 count rock step again in the new direction. (Counts 5, 6, 7, 8)
Repeat and Enjoy!
Once you’ve learned these sequences, simply repeat them from the beginning until the song ends. The Copperhead Road Line Dance is designed to be repetitive and easy to remember, so you can focus on enjoying the music and the movement.
Why Copperhead Road Line Dance is a Must-Try
The Copperhead Road Line Dance stands out because it perfectly blends fun, straightforward steps with a captivating song and backstory. It’s an excellent choice for beginners venturing into line dancing, as the steps are not overly complex and are easy to pick up. Moreover, it’s energetic enough to be a good workout while being social and engaging. Whether you’re at a country bar, a wedding, or just dancing in your living room, the Copperhead Road Line Dance is sure to get everyone involved and having a great time.
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