Talk

In a world where perfection is everything, and so many things can go wrong, how do world class ballet companies put perfectly precise pieces on stage, night after night, some of them for hundreds of years? Ballet is a world of stage magic, intricate detail and scrupulous quality control. A dress rehearsal (the ballet’s End-to-End test) is often performed only once before opening night. Why does ‘the show must go on’ mentality work, and how do they successfully implement some well-known testing practices? Get inspired to apply theater magic to your testing game. 

Follow the ballet’s steps to greatness. It starts with training the units (dancers), rehearsing the components (like corps de ballet) and then testing their integration (in rehearsal). The training and rehearsal processes are full of lessons that are time-tested but sometimes overlooked in our fast-paced Agile development. A ballet production even has it’s own forms of shift-left and shift-right principles. One characteristic of the best companies in the world: a strong vision and style that is carried by every single member. 

Ballet companies show a natural acceptance of certain risks, which are efficiently mitigated by quick actions and contingency plans. Certain risks are covered by a strong focus on replaceablity and transferability. Units (dancers) can get injured or sick, different theatres can have different properties, and costumes and props can fail. The best companies in the world are prepared for this- from the way the dancers are trained to the dedication of all parts towards the common goal. A legacy to admire, and to learn from. 

This talk combines stunning visual examples with clear and relatable lessons learned. Ester, test engineer at Sopra Steria, is an avid dancer who is passionate about built in quality and testing processes. She gives a unique insight into a world that is unknown to the average IT employee. The audience will surely leave with new insights and inspiration.