@agmoore: This is a beautiful post. When I watch the dancers/combatants, I am reminded of break dancing the way it is practiced in urban neighborhoods around the U. S. A lot of the movements are the same. Check out, for example, the flare shown here: Breaking is very communal. In the neighborhoods, dancers carry around a piece of linoleum and throw it down in a convenient place. Anywhere that's open and where there is room to dance. Then everyone gets around in a circle and cheers on the dancer. Often there is a 'battle' where two dancers face off. There is an etiquette to this, a universal code of behavior that is observed. Here is an organized, sponsored battle. When these take place in a neighborhood, it's just a group of people standing around clapping and cheering. To me, it appears there must be some kind of cultural connection. Anyway, great post.