Using the Trivium judging system. Breakers are judged by comparison
round for round, whoever wins the majority of rounds wins the battle and
will advance in the competition.
There will be no scores. Trivium is a comparative judging system
where Breakers are compared against each other, rather than against a
standardised scoring system.
No, there are no points per move. A points-based system has the
potential to limit the freedom of the dancers and dictate what moves
should be executed; this goes against the artistic and cultural ethos of
Breaking, where innovation and individuality are fundamental. This
would also be an impossible task due to the number of moves, including
transitions, that are performed per round.
The judges compare each round by looking at 3 quality domains that can be identified in every performance:
- Physical quality (body)
- Artistic quality (mind)
- Interpretive quality (soul).
The Trivium and Threefold systems use a digital interface that has a
crossfader for each quality. The judges only slide the faders of the
qualities where they see a difference between the two dancers for that
round. One moved fader is enough for a decision.
They both compare the same 3 quality domains. The difference is the
level of detail. Threefold is the simplified version that only has 3
faders, one for each quality domain. The Trivium interface has 2 faders
for each domain, so 6 in total, to allow more feedback. The Trivium
interface also has shortcut buttons that enable the judge to react
immediately and make digital notes during each round for elements like a
crash, repeat or bite, confidence, form, or execution; all
characteristics that influence the quality of performance.
No, being the strongest and fastest can help but it is not all that
counts. With Breaking in the Olympics the judges will still try to
determine who is the best B-boy or B-girl as a complete representation
of Breaking.
No, this system should stimulate the dancers’ artistic freedom of
expression, and conversational exchange during the battle, whilst
maintaining a consistent and coherent method of judging which limits
personal bias. With Trivium and Threefold the Breaker’s level is
determined by the performance in that particular moment, and in
comparison with the performance of the opponent. This means a Breaker
can win with high level dynamic movements but also by dominating in creativity or
musicality.
Trivium and Threefold use a holistic approach that permits the evolution of the dance within Breaking’s cultural ethos. It does not place limitations on the many different interpretations and approaches that dancers have to Breaking, nor does it favour one particular aspect. The systems provide a judging framework that ensures artistic freedom whilst maintaining cultural integrity. The 3 quality domains cover all the qualities we value in Breaking. Furthermore the training, certification process and statistics provide greater consistency and transparency compared to other systems.
All the judges that use Trivium or Threefold need to be certified.
This means that they must undertake specific training and pass an exam
that demonstrates their understanding of the systems. Checks are also
made to ensure judges can demonstrate the required experience, and that
they are free from affiliations that might cause a conflict of interest.
The statistics for every judge at every competition are also published
online with open access for the public to further ensure transparency.
During events a head judge will oversee the behaviour of the judge panel
and act in case of misconduct. So fairness is achieved through accountability, consistency, transparency and statistics (F.A.C.T.S.).