Cherokee Dancing Bear

A Cherokee "dancing bear" can refer to the Bear Dance, a traditional social dance performed at the Oconaluftee Indian Village that depicts a bear's life through the four seasons, or to art by Cherokee artists like Robbie Craig who created "Dancing Bear" from natural wood.  

You can watch this video to learn about the meaning of the term "dancing bear":

The dance simulates the bear's movements and activities through the four seasons, including gathering food and preparing for winter. 

It is a social dance where dancers might "growl and tussle" to reflect the bear's nature. 

The bear is a respected animal in Cherokee culture, seen as a guide, elder, and ally.