Line dancing offers a fantastic way to get moving and have fun, and the easier the dance, the more people can join in! The Copperhead Road Line Dance perfectly fits this description – it’s both enjoyable and simple to learn, making it a popular choice for dancers of all levels.
The Story Behind “Copperhead Road”
While the choreographer of the Copperhead Road line dance remains unknown, the history of the iconic song “Copperhead Road” is well-documented and adds a rich layer to the dance itself. The song, penned and performed by Steve Earle, tells a compelling story set along “Big Dry Run,” a road in Tennessee known locally as Copperhead Road. This road was notorious during Prohibition as a haven for bootleggers who used its secluded paths to conceal their moonshine operations. The narrative then jumps forward to the Vietnam War era, where the bootlegger’s son returns home from the war and, facing new challenges, decides to cultivate marijuana illegally along the very same Copperhead Road. This tale of backwoods enterprise and rebellion resonates deeply within the song and, by extension, the line dance.
Unraveling the Truth of Copperhead Road
Steve Earle released “Copperhead Road” in 1988, creating a song that masterfully blends rock and country influences. Although Earle initially stated that the story was purely fictional, local residents of Tennessee confirm that the activities described in the song – bootlegging and marijuana cultivation – were indeed realities on Copperhead Road. Adding another layer of local color, one resident explained that the term “copperhead” itself might refer to the copper tubing used in the condensers of moonshine stills. Purchasing copper could raise suspicion from authorities about illegal distilling activities, and like a copperhead snake bite, such exposure could be dangerous. This connection to the tools of the bootlegging trade further grounds the song in a tangible, historical reality.
Copperhead Road Line Dance Tutorial: Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to learn the steps? The Copperhead Road line dance is a relatively short sequence that repeats, making it easy to pick up even for beginners. Here’s a breakdown of the steps:
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4 Kicks Forward:
- Right Kick forward, Stomp right foot down. (Count 1, 2)
- Left Kick forward, Stomp left foot down. (Count 3, 4)
- Right Kick forward, Stomp right foot down. (Count 5, 6)
- Left Kick forward, Stomp left foot down. (Count 7, 8)
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Right Heel/Toe Strut:
- Right Heel out to the right side. (Count 1)
- Right Toe in, crossing in front of the left knee. (Count 2)
- Right Heel out to the right side again. (Count 3)
- Right foot Stomp down. (Count 4)
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Left Heel/Toe Strut:
- Left Heel out to the left side. (Count 5)
- Left Toe in, crossing in front of the right knee. (Count 6)
- Left Heel out to the left side again. (Count 7)
- Left foot Stomp down. (Count 8)
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Repeat 4 Kicks Forward: Repeat step 1. (Counts 1-8)
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Rock & Turn:
- Rock forward on the Right foot. (Count 1)
- Recover weight back onto the Left foot. (Count 2)
- Step Right foot to the side. (Count 3)
- Close Left foot next to Right foot, making a ¼ turn to the left as you close. (Count 4)
- Repeat Rock & Turn sequence again, starting with Rock forward on the Right foot, completing another ¼ turn to the left. (Counts 5, 6, 7, 8) You will have turned a total of ½ turn to the left after these two sequences.
Repeat from the beginning of the steps and continue until the song ends!
Tips for Learning the Copperhead Road Line Dance
- Start Slow: Practice the steps slowly at first to get the footwork right. Once you feel comfortable, gradually increase your speed to match the tempo of the music.
- Focus on the Beat: The Copperhead Road song has a strong, driving beat. Listen to the music and try to feel the rhythm in your body. This will help you time your steps correctly.
- Practice the Sections: Break down the dance into smaller sections (kicks, heel struts, rock & turn). Practice each section individually before putting them all together.
- Use a Mirror (if possible): Practicing in front of a mirror can help you see your movements and identify areas for improvement.
- Dance with Others: Line dancing is a social activity! Join a class or dance with friends. Learning with others can be motivating and fun.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Modify: If you find a step challenging, don’t be afraid to modify it to suit your comfort level. The most important thing is to move and enjoy the music!
Get Ready to Dance!
The Copperhead Road line dance is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the energy of country music and enjoy a fun, easy-to-learn dance. With its connection to a captivating song and straightforward steps, it’s no wonder this line dance remains a favorite. So put on your boots, turn up the music, and get ready to hit Copperhead Road!
