The Dancing Bear as a Beloved Symbol

The Dancing Bear is a beloved symbol of the Grateful Dead band. How can you not feel happy when you see and wear clothing and accessories with Dancing Bears? And who can resist those cheerful smiles? “Hey, you! Come on out and play with me. Let’s dance!” So how and when did the Dancing Bears come into being, and what do they symbolize?

There are several theories on the origins of the Dancing Bears. The Bears made their debut on the rear cover of the 1973 album, “History of the Grateful Dead, Volume 1 (Bear’s Choice)”. Our high stepping furry friends may have been inspired by lead band member Jerry Garcia’s nickname, “Papa Bear”. Or, perhaps the band was just looking for something cuter and friendlier than the Steal your Face logo. Whatever the origin, you can purchase the items pictured below in our shop, as well as many others! (You searched for dancing bear – Page 2 of 3 – Loving Life Clothing)

According to Owsley “Bear” Stanley, soundman and chemist for the Grateful Dead during the counter-culture years, the original Dancing Bears were derived from a standard 36 point printer’s slug. ( http://www.thebear.org/bearstory.html ). Grateful Dead artist Bob Thomas designed the album art, which featured 5 Rainbow colored bears in a circle. Thomas then modified the standard printer’s bear into the basic design we see today. So, for instance, the bear’s hairy chests morphed into their ragged collars. Nowadays, you can find them in a wide array of colors and poses.

Dancing Bear Nike Dunks

Through the years, the Dancing Bear continue to serve as a beloved symbol that you will see in abundance at Grateful Dead oriented festivals. For instance, Nike produces a Dancing Bear shoe. Nike released the Dancing Bear Nike Dunk in 2020. The retail price started at $110.00. But good luck finding them for that price now. However, you can now purchase a pair of fuzzy orange, yellow, or green Dancing Bear Nike Dunks online for upwards of a thousand dollars. And, if you find them for under that, you may want to check out this Youtube video on how to tell the real ones from the fakes. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3QP_yJoruk) . Or, you can browse through all of the awesome, more reasonably priced Dancing Bear merchandise on our website, here. (You searched for dancing bear – Loving Life Clothing)

Over the years, these fun and festive bears have become a beloved symbol that you will see in abundance at Dead and Co and other Grateful Dead oriented festivals. The bears conjure the joyful spirit of the Deadhead culture. Even Nike has gotten into the act. You can purchase a pair of fuzzy orange, yellow, or green Dancing Bear Nike Dunks online for upwards of a thousand dollars (I found a used pair on Poshmark for the low, low price of $250.00). Or, you can browse through all of the much less expensive Grateful Dead Dancing Bear merchandise featured on our Loving Life Clothing website.