war dance

American  

noun

1. a dance preliminary to going into battle or in celebration of a victory, as formerly among American Indians.

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war dance British  

noun

1. a ceremonial dance performed before going to battle or after victory, esp by certain North American Indian peoples

2. a dance representing warlike action

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Etymology

Origin of war dance

An Americanism dating back to 1705–15

Example Sentences

When Samoa's rugby league team performed a traditional war dance, the Siva Tau, before their first Test against England last Sunday, the players became involved in an intense standoff.

From BBC

The All Blacks' pre-match ceremonial war dance is one of rugby's iconic sights.

From BBC

Movement director Jonathan Goddard is in more of a haka mood, he says, before briefly demonstrating the Maori war dance.

From Washington Post

So too will the traditional pre-match war dances of Samoa and Tonga - breathtaking moments worth the entrance fee alone.

From BBC

The traditional war dances prior to kick-off - the Siva Tau for Samoa and the Tongan Sipi Tau - provided a suitable prelude to a bruising contest that was packed with athleticism, power and superb ball-handling skills.

From BBC