Unit of competency details

Version 

Comments 

CUADAN307A

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. Maintain a physical conditioning program

1.1. In consultation with relevant personnel  identify a range of techniques to improve stamina, strength and flexibility

1.2. Set realistic physical conditioning goals aimed at improving own dance technique

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. Perform warm-up and cool-down activities  in conjunction with dance activities

1.6. Ensure that clothing and footwear are appropriate for undertaking exercise regime and practising dance technique

2. Build on basic cultural dance technique

2.1. Ensure appropriate performance preparation 

2.2. Apply correct posture and body alignment  appropriate to the dance technique and movement

2.3. Apply isolation and coordination of upper and lower body within simple movement sequences

2.4. Apply balance, flexibility, stamina, weight transfer and articulation of individual body parts in an integrated manner in a range of techniques 

2.5. Apply control and attention to detail when performing short simple phrases  of dance movements

2.6. Ensure a basic awareness of customs  relevant to dance styles  are incorporated into and expressed in performances 

2.7. Further develop connectivity and interaction with other dancers as required

2.8. Incorporate musicality, phrasing and correct timing as choreographed into performances to show relationship between cultural dance styles and accompanying music  or other media 

3. Maintain expertise in cultural dance technique

3.1. Continuously practise basic movements

3.2. Maintain and update knowledge of cultural dance terminology

3.3. Use feedback from teachers and mentors to identify and develop ways to improve own cultural dance performance skills

3.4. Regularly view performances by industry practitioners as a way of sourcing new ideas and trends, and maintaining motivation

Overview of assessment 

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

Evidence of the ability to:

• improve cultural dance technique over a 6 to12 month period
• perform a range of basic cultural dance techniques in a learning environment
• respond appropriately to constructive feedback on own dance technique.
• follow safe dance practices.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure access to:

• appropriate dance performance areas or spaces
• footwear and clothing
• music.

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 live or recorded performances
• 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 maintaining a personal physical conditioning program
• direct observation of candidate in rehearsals and performances.

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:

• CUADAN303A Develop dance partnering techniques
• CUADAN304A Develop dance improvisational skills
• CUAPRF307A Develop performance techniques.

Relevant personnel  may include:

• teachers
• mentors
• coaches
• medical practitioners
• nutrition experts
• colleagues
• family members
• performers
• representatives of dance societies.

Risk factors  may relate to:

• consistency of a physical fitness regime
• own ambition
• expectations of others
• injury-prevention strategies
• gender issues
• body image and eating disorders
• insufficient hydration
• poor nutrition
• incorrectly fitting footwear and clothing
• gender-appropriate performance techniques.

Warm-up and cool-down activities  may include:

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

Performance preparation  may refer to:

• awareness of performance environment (space, location, size) and audience
• preparation of performance space to ensure safety of self and others
• mental preparation
• immediate physical preparation
• rehearsal appropriate to audience
• awareness of time lines and call times immediately prior to performance
• preparation and organisation of props, costumes and equipment immediately prior to performance.

Body alignment  refers to:

• proper alignment of the torso, limbs, spine and shoulders, including:

• ear over the shoulder over the hips
• knee over the ankle.

Techniques  must relate to:

• steps specific to a cultural dance style
• body alignment
• exercises and sequences incorporating air work, such as rolls
• floor work, such as:

• abdominal strengthening
• stretches

• improvisation
• locomotor movements, including:

• leaping
• running
• skipping
• sliding
• walking

• non-locomotor movements, including:

• bending
• stretching
• swaying
• turning
• twisting

• maintaining rhythm and tempo
• working at differing tempos
• focusing eyes and mind while performing
• working on centre and off centre.

Simple phrases  refer to:

• ‘chaining’ or joining and sequencing of steps and movements or combinations of steps and movements.

Awareness of customs  may include:

• costumes and appearance appropriate to dance style, audience and occasion
• performance of dance appropriate to audience and occasion
• props or materials appropriate to different cultural dance performances
• obtaining permission from cultural members to perform dances
• traditional gender roles and responsibilities in relation to dance performance.

Cultural dance styles  may include:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
• African
• belly dancing
• Egyptian
• Hungarian
• Irish dance
• Khmer
• magical, mystical or spiritual dance
• Pacific Islander
• Polish
• ritual or sacred
• Russian
• Scottish
• Spanish.

Performances  may be:

• live before an audience
• in a learning environment.

Accompanying music  may include:

• a cappella
• contemporary or soundscapes
• instrumental music
• live or recorded music
• traditional or folk music
• vocal music.

Other media  may include:

• design elements, such as performance lighting
• projections
• props.