Modification History
Version |
Comments |
CUADAN503A |
This version first released with CUA11 Live Performance Training Package version 1.0 |
Unit Descriptor
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply complex technical skills to the corps de ballet in dance companies through specified classical ballet repertoire.
Application of the Unit
This unit applies to those who perform classical ballet repertoire as a member of the corps de ballet. Corps dancers have to perform more frequently than other company members, often in every program during a run, and they must be adept at blending pantomime with technique and moving in unison to ensure background support to soloists and lead dancers.
While some supervision and guidance are provided in practice sessions and rehearsals, dancers are expected to be self-directed and display a high level of motivation, ballet technique and sense of responsibility for themselves and others.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Pre-Requisites
Not applicable.
Employability Skills Information
This unit contains employability skills.
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Element |
Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Maintain a physical conditioning program |
1.1. Meet realistic physical conditioning goals aimed at improving own dance technique 1.2. Apply a range of techniques to improve stamina, strength and flexibility 1.3. Identify risk factors that may inhibit the achievement of goals and seek professional advice as required 1.4. Take fatigue, personal limitations and boundaries into account when undertaking physical conditioning program 1.5. Always perform warm-up and cool-down activities in conjunction with dance activities |
2. Perfect own ballet technique |
2.1. Apply complex ballet technique across each section of class work 2.2. Display confidence across performance attributes 2.3. Show developed strength and complexity in footwork , including pointe work as required 2.4. Execute classical ballet repertoire with accuracy 2.5. Exhibit physical learning and adaptability to incorporate unseen combinations with speed and verve across different teaching methods |
3. Merge technique within corps of dancers |
3.1. Orient self in relation to other dancers and particularly to hold and move from one geometric pattern to another 3.2. Practise classical ballet phrases and repertoire repeatedly and side by side with other dancers comparing and synchronising group movements 3.3. Apply acting and pantomime skills through movement, gesture and emotion to provide added fullness to scenes 3.4. Execute group work with a high sense of cohesion, flow and movement in unison, giving the appearance of one single entity 3.5. Convey a high level of spatial awareness and respond to visual cues from other dancers in performing complex patterns 3.6. Present variations and repertoire with a high level of artistry and assurance across ballet styles and genres |
4. Perform corps de ballet dances from the defined classical ballet repertoire |
4.1. Undertake preparations appropriate to performance contexts 4.2. Ensure that personal presentation is appropriate to performance contexts 4.3. Apply performance psychology techniques to preparations 4.4. Sustain focus and concentration to produce performances that show correct musical and rhythmic interpretation 4.5. Convey appropriate artistic quality, interpretation and expression through confident and precise execution of ballet dance techniques 4.6. Demonstrate complex spatial arrangements 4.7. Contribute to debriefing sessions to evaluate the quality of performances and to discuss ways of improving individual and ensemble technique |
5. Maintain expertise |
5.1. Apply professional work ethic to all practice and performance activities 5.2. Incorporate injury-prevention techniques into all dance and movement activities 5.3. Use feedback from teachers and mentors to identify and develop ways to improve own ballet dance technique as well as group work 5.4. Regularly view performances by industry practitioners as a way of sourcing new ideas and trends, maintaining motivation, and improving own technique |
Required Skills and Knowledge
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.
Required skills
- communication skills to:
- work collaboratively as part of an ensemble
- respond appropriately to feedback on own skill development and performance
- consult with peers and mentors, including interpersonal skills relating to listening, questioning, gaining feedback and giving information
- initiative and enterprise skills to:
- work creatively with music and dance
- dance with artistry and assurance
- communicate mood, style and grace using acting techniques, pantomime and technical expertise
- learning skills to:
- develop strong ballet techniques through:
- practising complex movements and sequences
- a positive attitude to dancing
- develop and implement a personal physical conditioning program
- planning and organising skills to:
- prepare for performances, auditions and competitions
- plan practice time
- self-management skills to:
- arrive punctually at classes, rehearsals and performances
- dress appropriately
- observe dance discipline and follow direction
- apply safe dance practices and identify risk factors relevant to dancers
- demonstrate professional work ethic
- teamwork skills to work collaboratively with others members of the corps
- technical dance skills to:
- execute high level of competency in each section of class work
- employ physical control throughout performances especially for corps work
- respond to different time signatures
- maintain correct posture, weight placement and alignment in fully rotated turn-out position
- retain and reproduce complex movement sequences
- show alignment and extensions in combinations of a high level of difficulty
- reproduce complex movement sequences on both sides of the body
- show facility and speed in directional changes
- develop a high level of spatial awareness in group movements, including floor patterns and aerial pathways
- exhibit a high level and range of coordination of limbs, torso and head
- exhibit confidence in creating movement sequences
- demonstrate complex spatial arrangements:
- relationship to group members
- correct floor patterns
- aerial pathways
- individual artistic quality
- articulate a comprehensive knowledge of the philosophical nature of the discipline
- show a consistent level of commitment.
Required knowledge
- role of corps de ballet dances within the structure of a ballet
- well-developed knowledge of each section of dance work, such as:
- stretching
- barre
- centre practice
- adage
- pirouettes
- allegro
- batterie
- grand allegro
- cool down
- principles underlying dance movements and techniques, such as:
- relationship with gravity
- spatial awareness
- successional movement
- use of breath
- folding
- extending
- rotating
- shifting weight
- anatomical foundations, including:
- articulation of the spine
- engagement of the feet
- bases of support, including feet, legs, hands, arms and torso
- range of motion of the joints
- differentiation of the legs and pelvis
- risk factors in ballet for the physical body, including health and wellbeing issues
- ballet terminology
- stage terminology, geography and directions
- musical rhythms and their relationship to dance, including:
- time signatures
- beat
- tempo
- syncopation
- ways to prepare for performances, including an understanding of performance
- principles of professional work ethic
- psychology techniques
- main periods in the history of ballet
- principles of classical ballet.
Evidence Guide
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment |
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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
Evidence of the ability to:
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
Assessment must ensure access to:
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Method of assessment |
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy) and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties, such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling). |
Guidance information for assessment |
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
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Range Statement
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Risk factors may relate to: |
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Warm-up and cool-down may include: |
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Ballet technique may include: |
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Section of class work may include: |
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Performance attributes may include: |
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Footwork may include: |
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Physical learning and adaptability may include: |
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Teaching methods may include: |
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Repertoire may include: |
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Ballet style or genre may include: |
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Preparations may include: |
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Performance contexts may include: |
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Personal presentation may include: |
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Performance psychology techniques may include: |
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Complex spatial arrangements may include: |
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Professional work ethic may refer to: |
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Injury-prevention techniques may include: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Performing arts - dance
Custom Content Section
Not applicable.