The goblin society in the novel 'Dance of the Goblins' was based on the author's experience with the London squat party scene. A trip to Japan added a little formality to their social customs, but the goblins still operate with no hierarchy.
The concept of 'The Dance' as the spiritual connection between the goblins and the rhythms of the earth was inspired by the song "Mr. Midnight" written by Robert Danova for the production of Phantom of the Opera On Ice.