snake dance: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low frequency. Used primarily in specific cultural, anthropological, or descriptive contexts.Formal/Descriptive, sometimes Specialised. Most common in writing about dance, anthropology, or cultural events.
Quick answer
What does “snake dance” mean?
A dance performed in a sinuous, winding line, often with participants holding each other's shoulders or waists, resembling the movement of a snake.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A dance performed in a sinuous, winding line, often with participants holding each other's shoulders or waists, resembling the movement of a snake.
In broader contexts, it can refer to any procession or movement that follows a winding, serpentine path. In some Native American and other indigenous cultural traditions, it refers to specific ceremonial dances involving serpents or snake symbolism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. May be slightly more associated with descriptions of Native American culture in American English due to geographic proximity.
Connotations
Generally neutral, with cultural respect when referring to specific indigenous traditions. Can have a playful connotation when describing informal, winding lines of people (e.g., at a festival).
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “snake dance” in a Sentence
[Subject] performed a snake dance.The [participants] formed a snake dance.A snake dance [verb, e.g., wound, snaked] its way through the [location].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “snake dance” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The revellers decided to snake-dance their way from the pub to the village green.
- The festival goers will often snake-dance between the tents.
American English
- After the win, the fans snake-danced through the campus streets.
- The parade participants started to snake-dance when the music sped up.
adverb
British English
- The children moved snake-dance-style through the playground equipment.
- The procession travelled snake-dance-slowly up the narrow path.
American English
- The crowd exited snake-dance-fashion to avoid congestion.
- The bikes weaved snake-dance-quickly through the stalled traffic.
adjective
British English
- The snake-dance formation was the highlight of the folk performance.
- They organised a snake-dance competition for the children.
American English
- The homecoming parade featured a snake-dance routine by the cheerleaders.
- We learned some snake-dance moves at the cultural workshop.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in anthropology, cultural studies, dance history, and religious studies texts to describe specific practices.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used to describe a conga line or similar winding dance at a party.
Technical
Used in ethnography and choreography.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “snake dance”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “snake dance”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “snake dance”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'They snaked danced'). Correct: 'They did/performed a snake dance.'
- Confusing it with 'snake charmer' or dances *with* snakes.
- Capitalising unnecessarily unless part of a specific cultural ceremony name (e.g., the Hopi Snake Dance).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While it has specific cultural meanings (e.g., Hopi Snake Dance), the term can also describe any informal, winding line dance, similar to a conga line.
Yes, though less common. It can be hyphenated ('to snake-dance') meaning to move or dance in such a winding line.
They are very similar. A 'conga line' is a specific type of snake dance that originated in Cuba, usually with a distinct three-step rhythm. 'Snake dance' is a more general descriptive term for the winding shape.
Generally no, if used descriptively for the movement pattern. However, it is respectful to avoid directly naming or mimicking specific sacred cultural ceremonies (like the Hopi Snake Dance) in a casual or party context.
A dance performed in a sinuous, winding line, often with participants holding each other's shoulders or waists, resembling the movement of a snake.
Snake dance is usually formal/descriptive, sometimes specialised. most common in writing about dance, anthropology, or cultural events. in register.
Snake dance: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsneɪk ˌdɑːns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsneɪk ˌdæns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly. Metaphorical use: 'The road did a snake dance through the mountains.'”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a line of people moving like a SNAKE, which is what they do in a SNAKE DANCE.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEOPLE ARE SNAKES (in terms of collective movement); A PROCESS IS A WINDING PATH.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'Snake Dance' most precisely and formally used?