Unit of competency details

Version 

Comments 

CUAOHS101A

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. Apply an understanding of anatomy and physiology to movement

1.1. Become familiar with the basic structure  of the human body

1.2. Apply principles  of correct posture and body alignment  to basic dance movements

1.3. Discuss with relevant personnel  the purpose  and benefits  of warm-up and cool-down procedures 

1.4. Practise a range of warm-up and cool-down exercises

1.5. Discuss with relevant personnel the importance of healthy nutrition  to dance performance

2. Develop an understanding of common dance injuries and health concerns

2.1. Become familiar with the causes  of common dance injuries 

2.2. Discuss with relevant personnel the effects of alcohol, smoking and eating disorders on a dancer's health

2.3. Become familiar with action to be taken if injuries occur, including compression, elevation, rest and ice techniques for dealing with soft tissue injury

2.4. Compile a list of sources of professional assistance  with health and injury management

3. Apply a knowledge of safety to dance activities

3.1. Discuss with relevant personnel safety aspects  of dance classes, venues and facilities

3.2. Report safety hazards in venues according to organisational procedures

3.3. Follow procedures to minimise environmental impact  of performance activities on the environment

3.4. Follow safety and emergency procedures in venues

Overview of assessment 

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

Evidence of the ability to:

• perform a range of warm-up and cool-down exercises
• apply a basic understanding of anatomical principles to day-to-day dance activities
• explain the cause of common dance injuries
• identify potential safety hazards in a dance studio or venue.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure access to appropriate dance performance areas or spaces.

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:

• direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence
• third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance evaluation of hazard reports completed
• verbal or written questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit
• case studies and scenarios as a basis for discussion of issues and challenges that arise in the context of following basic safe dance practice
• direct observation or video recording of the candidate undertaking warm-up and cool-down routines.

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:

• CUEIND01C Source and apply entertainment industry knowledge.

Basic structure  of the human body includes:

• systems, such as:

• articular
• muscular
• circulatory
• nervous.

Principles  may include:

• head upright
• eyes straight ahead
• chin parallel to the floor
• shoulders wide and relaxed
• neck stretching upward
• chest vertically aligned with the hips
• body weight distributed evenly between the feet, and kept slightly forward.

Body alignment  refers to:

• alignment of the body's load-bearing joints in a standing position, that is:

• shoulders
• hips
• knees
• ankles

• muscles being in balance:

• front to back
• side to side
• top to bottom

• other elements, such as:

• feet pointing straight ahead
• knees pointing straight ahead
• level pelvis.

Relevant personnel  may include:

• teachers
• community members
• manager
• mentors
• peers
• performers
• supervisor
• medical practitioners.

Purpose  may include:

• warm-up:

• to stimulate heart and lungs moderately and progressively
• to increase body and muscle temperature gradually
• to increase the metabolism of skeletal muscle
• to prevent joint injury
• psychological preparation for performance

• cool-down:

• to return respiration and heart rate to normal
• to help prevent muscle soreness
• to unwind and relax.

Benefits  may include:

• physiological, including:

• higher metabolic rate
• increased blood flow to muscles
• higher rate of oxygen exchange between blood and muscles
• more oxygen released within muscles
• faster nerve impulse transmission
• decreased muscle relaxation time between contractions
• increased muscle elasticity
• increased flexibility of ligaments and tendons
• rehearsal effect, that is, muscular patterns of the body to be used later

• psychological, including:

• reduced stress due to an increase in endorphin and a decrease in adrenalin
• increased mental alertness
• increased concentration
• inhibition reduction
• improved technique, balance and coordination through a body-focused mind set.

Warm-up and cool-down procedures  may include:

• stretching, including:

• static or passive
• dynamic

• joint-mobility exercises
• flexibility exercises
• aerobic activities
• coordinated breathing activities
• floor work.

Importance of healthy nutrition  relates to:

• injury prevention and management
• wellbeing
• healthy food choices, e.g. five food groups and recommended daily amounts.

Causes  may relate to:

• bad posture and body alignment
• overstretching
• compressing body tissues, such as:

• muscles
• bones
• joints

• incorrect technique
• insufficient conditioning and training
• fatigue
• inappropriate environmental conditions
• nutrition
• emotional or psychological stress.

Common dance injuries  occur in:

• lower back
• ankles
• feet
• knees
• muscles and tendons
• ligaments
• joints
• abdomen
• stress fractures.

Sources of professional assistance  include:

• general and specialist practitioners
• rehabilitation therapists, such as:

• Pilates
• Alexander technique
• chiropractors
• yoga
• osteopaths
• physiotherapists
• massage.

Safety aspects  include:

• venue or facilities, such as:

• class size
• class numbers appropriate for the style or genre of dance and floor area
• appropriate change rooms and toilet facilities
• ventilation
• unobstructed space
• appropriate heating, cooling and lighting
• music or sound system

• doing exercises and performing routines on flooring appropriate to genre and style of dance, including:

• sprung softwood
• tarkett
• sprung parquet
• tongue and groove hardwood
• resined for ballroom and Latin dance
• non-slip for ballet
• wood for tap and Spanish

• condition and maintenance of flooring, including:

• floor surface should be even and free from potentially dangerous cracks, gaps or uneven joins
• floor surface should be regularly maintained so as to be kept free of protruding nails, wood splinters and loose boards or other potentially dangerous flaws

• location
• security, e.g. safe access to and from venue
• suitable footwear and clothing.

Strategies to minimise environmental impact  may relate to:

• measures to reduce energy consumption, such as:

• using light emitting diode (LED) lights
• using fluorescent light bulbs
• turning lights off

• recycling:

• waste paper
• tins
• cardboard
• bottles

• reducing water usage
• sweeping rather than hosing
• maintaining biodiversity
• protecting the natural habitat from damage
• awareness of air quality and noise.