Unit of competency details

Version 

Comments 

CUADAN310A

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 social 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. Always 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 social dance performance technique

2.1. Ensure appropriate performance preparation 

2.2. Perform social dance techniques  with increasing confidence and expertise

2.3. Ensure characterisation and personality  of dance styles are incorporated into and expressed in performances 

2.4. Further develop connectivity with partner to enable correct leading and following movements

2.5. Incorporate movement flow, musicality, rhythm and correct timing into performances

2.6. Coordinate position and movement between other dancers

3. Maintain expertise

3.1. Continuously practise basic movements

3.2. Maintain and update knowledge of social dance terminology

3.3. Use feedback from teachers and mentors to identify and develop ways to improve own social 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 social dance technique over a 6 to12 month period
• perform a range of basic social 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.

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 partnering techniques
• CUAMUP301A Prepare personal appearance for performances
• CUAPRF201A Prepare self for performances
• CUAPRF307A Develop performance techniques.

Relevant personnel  may include:

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

Social dance  includes:

• international standard, such as:

• foxtrot
• quickstep
• tango
• Viennese waltz
• waltz

• American standard
• Arthur Murray
• street Latin dance, such as:

• Argentine tango
• cha cha
• jive
• mambo
• paso doble
• rumba
• salsa.

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.

Social dance techniques  must include:

• correct alignment, including:

• posture and poise appropriate to the dance style
• position of foot in relation to the performance space
• line of dance
• facing and backing

• improvisation
• locomotor techniques, such as:

• steps with specific types of walk, chasse
• footwork, part of the foot used
• foot position, placement and direction of foot

• weight transfer techniques
• turning techniques, including:

• full turn
• half turn

• body positions and holds in relation to partner, including:

• closed position
• contact position
• open position
• left side position
• right side position

• demonstrating an awareness of personal and general space when travelling and stationary
• correct posture and alignment when in motion
• demonstrating safe dance practices in jumping, falling and faster travelling steps
• dancing in time with the music
• non-locomotor techniques, such as:

• balance
• stillness.

Characterisation and personality  may refer to:

• Latin American styles, including:

• rumba: soft, sexual
• cha cha: flirtatious, cheeky
• samba: celebratory, carnivale
• jive: fun, high energy, rock and roll

• standard styles, including:

• waltz: dreamy, romantic
• slow foxtrot: smooth
• tango: fiery, aggressive
• quickstep: fun, bubbly, high energy.

Performances  may be:

• in a learning environment
• live before an audience
• in a competition setting.