Unit of competency details

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Comments 

CUADAN508A

This version first released with CUA11 Live Performance Training Package version 1.0

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.

1. Extend skills in improvisation

1.1. Respond to a variety of teaching methods  and approaches to developing improvisational skills

1.2. Practise performing improvisational tasks of increasing complexity and diversity

1.3. Demonstrate an expanded movement vocabulary in response to various stimuli

1.4. Extend understanding of how improvisation contributes to contemporary dance repertoire 

1.5. Explore ways of responding to stimuli on the move and in the moment

1.6. Incorporate understanding of the range of options available to begin improvising through watching, initiating and responding

1.7. Embody energy concepts in improvisational tasks

2. Develop skills in mat work

2.1. Perform exercises specifically designed to build strength for tumbling and increasing technical requirements 

2.2. Apply knowledge of anatomy and alignment to extend control in inverted weight-bearing positions 

2.3. Perform rolls from static start and from jumps

2.4. Perform a wide range of acrobatic skills in relation to allied contemporary dance technique attributes 

2.5. Apply physical skill and adaptability  in a range of diverse settings

3. Extend skills in duo

3.1. Extend expertise in safe rolling , falling and lifting techniques 

3.2. Practise falling safely singly and in partnership situations

3.3. Cooperate, show consideration and develop rapport with partner during rehearsals

3.4. Practise timing and weight centring in accomplishing a relationship and feeling of reciprocity

3.5. Explore ways in which improvisation can be used to extend choreographic possibilities at a basic level

3.6. Show strength, precision and increasing agility in all aspects of footwork 

4. Maintain expertise

4.1. Apply professional work ethic  to all practice and performance activities

4.2. Incorporate injury-prevention techniques  into dance and movement activities

4.3. Use feedback from teachers and mentors to identify and develop ways to improve own contemporary dance technique as well as group work

4.4. Regularly view performances by industry practitioners as a way of sourcing new ideas and trends, maintaining motivation, and improving own technique

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the ability to:

• execute physical and conceptual understanding of the fundamental technical principles in contemporary dance as they relate to duo work
• develop improvised sequences of movement with an awareness of their relationship to the development of original choreography
• respond with a developing sense of performance quality when executing improvised solos and scored group work
• relate alignment and anatomical principles to safe dance practice
• apply basic performance psychology techniques
• execute a range of tumbling skills and basic aerial skills
• work with a partner and others collaboratively and harmoniously and with rapport and confidence
• demonstrate a professional work ethic.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure access to:

• fully equipped dance studios
• appropriate music or accompanists.

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: 

• observation of practice and performance through full practical demonstration
• verbal or written questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit
• video recordings of performances or practice sessions
• case studies and scenarios as a basis for discussing components of contemporary dance technique, repertoire and performance and partnering skills as they relate to duo work.

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:

• CUADAN402A Improvise an advanced dance sequence
• CUADAN505A Refine contemporary dance technique
• CUADAN507A Refine dance partnering techniques
• CUAPRF501A Refine performance skills.

Teaching methods  may include:

• student centred learning approaches that encourage:

• initiative
• self-motivation
• creativity

• release techniques.

Repertoire  may include:

• contemporary dance repertoire
• modern ballet repertoire
• original choreography.

Technical requirements  may include:

• placement and coordination of body parts
• strength and stability
• giving and taking weight
• posture
• hand grips and hand placement for balance
• relationship between partners.

Weight-bearing positions  may include:

• handstands
• headstands
• cartwheels
• dive rolls.

Allied contemporary dance technique attributes  may include:

• strength, flexibility, coordination and cardiovascular endurance
• detailed musicality with attention to nuances of interpretation
• movement qualities to movement sequences
• strong sense of individuality and 'presence' in the execution of sequences
• sensibility in sequences of increasing difficulty
• alternative and structurally changing musical time signatures and phrasing for extended sequences
• different expressive qualities applied to movement sequences
• extensive and changing expressive qualities applied to movement sequences
• assured artistic interpretations of sequences and variations.

Physical skill and adaptability  may include:

• set exercises or sequences
• unseen exercises or sequences
• sequences from a range of techniques
• execution of extended sequences to right and left sides without prompting
• self-correction.

Safe rolling techniques  may relate to:

• rolling in all directions in a variety of ways, including:

• shoulder rolls
• sidewards
• backwards.

Safe lifting techniques  may relate to:

• weight taking with counterbalance
• stability of various body parts
• momentum moving in and out of gravitational states.

Footwork  may include:

• sequences throughout classes
• travelling configurations
• sequences that require the full range of movement in all directions.

Professional work ethic  may refer to:

• attentive behaviour in creative practice
• awareness of:

• substance abuse
• addictive behaviours
• expectations of others
• eating disorders
• effective management of personal finances
• balanced diet
• energy levels and personal limitations
• stage and theatre etiquette

• developing strategies to:

• cope with performance anxiety
• maintain motivation

• effective personal hygiene habits, such as:

• clean and short nails
• clean and tied-up hair
• clean hands

• ongoing dedication to a physical conditioning exercise program
• maintaining concentration, focus and physical alertness in all performance activities
• maintaining costumes and other apparel
• maintaining a work-life balance
• punctuality and reliability
• working creatively with individual differences.

Injury-prevention techniques  may include: 

• warming up and cooling down before and after class and performance
• wearing appropriate clothing and footwear
• applying intent and focus while dancing
• not overstretching
• wearing appropriate bandaging and bracing where appropriate to support body
• appropriate diet and rest
• using appropriate equipment, such as barre, mirror and sprung floors
• attention to teacher.