Unit of competency details

Version 

Comments 

CUADAN103A

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. Develop technical expertise

1.1. Under the guidance of a teacher, perform stretching exercises 

1.2. Perform exercises  to develop expertise in a range of jazz dance techniques 

1.3. Practise using arm lines appropriately and extensively

1.4. Show control in turning balances

1.5. Incorporate a good sense of tempo and rhythm into exercises

2. Practise isolation exercises

2.1. Develop understanding  of the purpose and application of isolation exercises

2.2. Work within own limits and demonstrate safe dance practices

2.3. Perform exercises  focusing on different parts of the body in isolation

2.4. Incorporate a good sense of timing and rhythm into exercises

2.5. Perform cool-down exercises after dance activity

3. Perform dance progressions

3.1. In consultation with a teacher, agree on progressions that include a range of techniques within own technical ability

3.2. Communicate the mood or style  of progressions to the audience

3.3. Maintain correct posture, alignment, control and safe dance practices when in motion

3.4. Apply safe dance practices  at all times to prevent injury to self and others

3.5. Perform a bow at the conclusion of dance progressions

3.6. Follow advice from others about ways to improve own jazz dance technique

Overview of assessment 

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

Evidence of the ability to:

• perform technical and isolation exercises, within personal capabilities
• perform two dance progressions that demonstrate a mastery of foundation jazz dance techniques
• respond appropriately to constructive feedback on own performance.

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 performance of dance skills
• direct observation or video recording of candidate in dance classes
• verbal or written questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit
• review of candidate’s dance performances by peers and colleagues.

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:

• CUAOHS101A Follow basic safe dance practices.

Stretching exercises  should:

• be undertaken with care and to the level of own ability
• incorporate correct breathing technique
• show appropriate use of placing at the barre and in the centre.

Exercises  may include:

• half rib roll
• rib roll
• shoulder roll
• hip roll
• half head roll.

Techniques  may include:

• pliés and rises
• tendus
• adage
• stretches
• abdominal strengthening
• lyrical jazz body exercises
• grand battements
• kicks, such as:

• travelling
• hitch
• fan kicks and pencil turns combination

• barrel rolls
• pirouettes
• fast footwork, such as:

• step ball changes
• turning pas de bourrées

• châinés and posé piqué turns mambo style
• improvisation
• jumps
• introductory jazz split runs.

Understanding  may encompass:

• role of isolation exercises in jazz warm-up routines and performances, including to:

• warm up specific body parts
• improve coordination
• move different parts of the body simultaneously while remaining in control

• terminology, such as:

• isocentric
• polycentric.

Styles  may include:

• black bottom
• charleston
• jitter bug
• boogie woogie
• swing.

Safe dance practices  relate to:

• understanding the body’s capabilities and limitations, including:

• alignment
• flexibility (mobility)
• strength (stability)
• cardiorespiratory endurance
• muscular endurance

• appropriate footwear and clothing
• barefoot dancing
• warm-up and cool-down activities, such as:

• gentle stretches
• aerobic exercises
• anaerobic exercises
• breathing exercises

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

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

• effect of different ground surfaces, including:

• moving float
• podium or raised platform
• runway
• concrete or hard floor
• pavement
• slippery floor
• sticky floor
• floor that is too springy
• sloping surface
• earth

• correct execution of dance steps
• nutrition and diet.