Starpower Introduces New Judging Technology

Wendy Garofoli | Apr 11, 2008 | there are 0 comments

For tech newbies, this is what a typical jump drive looks like.

Elizabeth Barry & Associates, the PR representatives for Starpower competition, have released a statement about a technological advance at Starpower that may result in more effective judging techniques: the jump drive. Judges make commentary on a tiny USB drive, which allows teachers to view their students' performances on a computer screen while hearing critique. Read more after the "jump." (I couldn't help myself).

From EB & Associates:
Jump Drive n' Wail

Starpower announces the 2008 competition trend in the making: the jump drive critique. This practical, up-to-the-minute learning tool delivers a nouveaux standard for dance competition reporting. This method promises to revolutionize score sheets which are now modified to one fourth of the size they once were (no more wasting trees!) More so, the written critique allows teachers to know right away what the judges prefer from their performances. They can make the changes accordingly while the competition is still going on, and watch the online version from their computer. The instant feedback of reading, listening and watching routines are all expected to be the top benefits of this revolution.

The concept was developed by the Starpower team in response to dance teacher concerns that judges were evaluating student performances with their heads turned down as they noted critiques on score cards. To address the needs of their customers, Starpower created this new approach for judges to record their commentary. Macbook computers are set up in front of the stage with cameras; and instead of listening to a judge on an audio tape or CD, students and teachers can actually see the performance and hear the judge saying, "nice battement." The personalized jump drives will transfer routines for teachers to take home and handy hooks are provided so that teachers can lock them safely to their key chains.

"This is going to revolutionize the industry. Starpower is always doing something new and creative and we're constantly setting the pace with tricks that no one has ever done before," stated Noelle Pate Inman, National Director, Starpower. "We're very proud of this happy medium and feel that the video critique compliments the written score sheet, therefore bringing our customers into the 21st century of dance competitions."

When asked about teachers who may be better versed in pirouettes than podcasts, Noelle had this to say: "We were approached by a teacher that didn't own a computer, but she did have a DVD player at her studio. We assured her that the critique can be transferred for watching on DVD, and we will always have our written critiques, so it works for everyone."

Back to Wendy A reminder for teachers who don't want to stand in line to use the Starpower computers: Bring your own laptop. If you don't have one, borrow from a friend. It will save you the frustration of battling it out with other teachers for a good view of the computer screen. If you don't care to view the critique at competition, then you can simply plug the USB drive into your computer at home.

Here's to the dance world catching up to the 21st century! (I remember when critiques were delivered via cassette tape, and you had to figure out which part of the dance the judge was talking about as you listened).