I was inspired and reminded of what I've learned from my years of dance lessons by Jonathan Kohl's blog which I check out from time to time although he's more "agile oriented" than I am at this point (so far).

Please check out the Improv performance video of Infusion Tribal Bellydance to get an idea of what I mean.


American Tribal Style is special in that it is an improvisational style of Belly Dance done by groups of women who communicate changes in moves using "Cues" which are seen and heard, but subtle. For those who don't know the tribal vocabulary, it looks like a choreographed routine. It incorporates dance from all over the world taking influences from the Middle East, Africa, Flamenco, and sometimes modern dance such as Hip Hop is incorporated. It's known as American style because of the "melting pot" of dance ideas concept. Also, it is danced proud, without the subservient aspect that some other dance styles have to it.

I have a sticker on my office door that says, "Life can't be choreographed: improvise." I believe that.

There are three types of Tribal Style dancing mainly
1. Practice/classes-This is where you learn technique and the vocabulary.
2. Hafla-Free dances where any number of people dance together at an open jam.
3. Performance-Two or more dancers perform for an audience.

Basics needed to Dance
1. Some amount of natural talent to hear music and some sort of rhythm.
2. Dance posture (this is how to hold your arms and position your body so you can dance without injury).
3. Know a few basics of the vocabulary including the cues.
4. Ability to lead and follow.

I would say these are extremely important aspects to have in testing before you collaborate with other testers. First, you must have a common vocabulary and a good understanding of what you plan to accomplish together. Secondly, you need a firm foundation in test methodology and some experience in testing and isolating bugs so that you are a help and not a distraction. While you can warm up by just "following", to truly collaborate as part of the group, you must be able to lead as well and take your turn, adding your self to the chorus and showing your special skills and talent when your time comes.

Some of the key things that make Tribal Dancing work well
1. Cues that are easy to read from the leader wherever you are.
2. Support and positive interaction/energy between those dancing.
3. Able to start dancing immediately! Less time learning exact choreography, more time to dance.
4. Flexibility to change the dance for maximum audience reaction.
5. Varied experience is no problem. Those with less knowledge can learn from those with more and the most experienced can show off in their solo even if the beginners can't follow.
6. No "waiting" if someone can't show, no problem if someone extra shows. So long as you have space and music, the dance is on.
7. More creative than other forms of dance because you aren't following set rules.

A few No No's
1. Know your space. You can injure another person if you aren't paying attention. This is where technique comes in. We all learn to raise our hands while spinning so you don't knock out the teeth of your neighbor.
2. If you mess up keep going. A big picture perspective is vital. What role do I play in the larger context?
3. You must always DO something or ruin the overall look of the dance. When all else fails, go back to the first move you learned and build on it. What is your "Hail Mary" of testing?
4. Failure to cue decisively, lead decisively, or get out of the lead decisively will cause chaos.