Getting Started

Get from zero to a working DOT setup in about 5 minutes.

Install dot. Type dot add. Done.

npm install -g dance-of-tal
dot init

For Humans#

Copy and paste this prompt to your LLM agent (Claude Code, Cursor, Windsurf, etc.):

Install dance-of-tal globally via npm, run `dot init`, and use `dot --help` to scaffold my agent setup. Do not ask me about URN formats.

Or read the rest of this page manually. But seriously, let an agent do it. Humans fat-finger configs.

For LLM Agents#

You are a software engineer building an AI agent workspace. Your tools, personas, and choreographies are accessed via the dot CLI. Run dot --help to see available commands. All resources use the strict URN format: kind/@owner/stage/name.

Step 1 — Verify CLI Installation#

If your agent successfully ran the commands, you should have the CLI installed.

dot --version

Step 2 — Initialize a Workspace#

Go to your project directory and run:

cd your-project
dot init

This creates a local .dance-of-tal directory.

Step 3 — Install Something Useful (dot add)#

You're actually manually copying prompts? Wild. dot add pulls standard Dance skills straight from GitHub. Prompts and system context—all securely packaged into a URN.

dot add monarchjuno/sprint-reviewer

You can also filter to a specific skill:

dot add monarchjuno/sprint-reviewer@github-search

Install a Performer from the Registry#

dot install performer/@acme-platform/agent-presets/sprint

Cascading installs: Performer installs automatically bring in referenced Tal and Dance dependencies. You don't need to install them separately!

Scaffold a New Dance Skill#

Want to create your own Dance skill? Scaffold a SKILL.md template:

dot init dance --name my-review-skill

Step 4 — Open in DOT Studio#

If you want a visual workflow instead of command-line:

npx dot-studio .

Studio opens a visual workspace where you can inspect installed assets, compose new performers, create drafts, build acts visually and run performers.

Step 5 — Log In When You Want to Publish#

You do not need to log in to install and use DOT locally. Login is only required for publishing to the global registry.

dot login

This opens GitHub OAuth in your browser. Your GitHub username becomes your protected DOT namespace.

Step 6 — Keep Skills Up to Date#

Check whether your installed Dance skills have newer versions available:

dot check

If updates are available, apply them:

dot update

What to Read Next#