The idiomatic expression "a dancing bear" refers to a situation where someone is performing or behaving in an expected manner, without any real creativity or originality. It suggests that they are simply going through the motions and doing what is required of them, rather than putting their own unique stamp on things. The phrase originated from the fact that dancing bears were once a common sight at fairs and circuses, where trained bears would perform tricks for audiences. While this may have been entertaining to some, it was ultimately a display of forced compliance rather than genuine enjoyment or artistic expression on the part of the bear.