Modification History
Version |
Comments |
CUADAN505A |
This version first released with CUA11 Live Performance Training Package version 1.0 |
Unit Descriptor
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to add range, depth and increasing complexity to contemporary dance technique.
Application of the Unit
This unit applies to those who are consolidating their career in contexts where complex contemporary dance technique is required across commercial or competition settings. Dancers are usually performing as members of an ensemble, but some solo work can also be expected.
At this level, dancers are challenging themselves with dance sequences and repertoire of increasing technical and physical complexity. While some supervision and guidance are provided in practice sessions and rehearsals, dancers are expected to be self-directed and display a high level of motivation and sense of responsibility for themselves and others.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Pre-Requisites
Not applicable.
Employability Skills Information
This unit contains employability skills.
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
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. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Maintain a physical conditioning program |
1.1. Set realistic physical conditioning goals aimed at improving own dance technique 1.2. Apply a range of techniques to improve stamina, strength and flexibility 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 |
2. Practise contemporary dance technique of increasing difficulty |
2.1. Apply a high level of concentration, facility and expertise to increasingly difficult contemporary dance technique in each section of class work 2.2. Develop increasingly complex performance attributes 2.3. Apply principles of alignment with power, flexibility, coordination and cardiovascular endurance throughout classes 2.4. Show developed strength and complexity in footwork 2.5. Develop appreciation of timing and weight centring when working with a partner |
3. Develop physical learning and adaptability skills |
3.1. Comprehend and reproduce new and complex movement sequences that demand different spatial orientations and changes in speed 3.2. Incorporate choreographic skills into relevant sections of class work 3.3. Review personal goals taking into account individual attributes and expectations of the profession 3.4. Refine improvisational skills through an ever expanding movement vocabulary and spontaneity in response to various stimuli |
4. Execute sequences of a high level of difficulty |
4.1. Practise repertoire with an increased awareness of and attention to rhythms and time signatures commonly used in contemporary dance 4.2. Execute group work with a high sense of cohesion 4.3. Execute extended sequences to right and left sides without prompting 4.4. Incorporate unseen combinations with speed and verve 4.5. Perform with a clear sense of personal style while understanding and demonstrating the stylistic differences in a range of contemporary styles and approaches 4.6. Accomplish solo work with a developing sense of musical individuality 4.7. Present sequences with a high level of artistry and assurance across contemporary dance styles |
5. Maintain expertise |
5.1. Apply professional work ethic to all practice and performance activities 5.2. Incorporate injury-prevention techniques into all dance and movement activities 5.3. Use feedback from teachers and mentors to identify and develop ways to improve own contemporary dance technique as well as group work 5.4. Regularly view performances by industry practitioners as a way of sourcing new ideas and trends, maintaining motivation, and improving own technique |
Required Skills and Knowledge
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.
Required skills
- communication skills to:
- work collaboratively as part of an ensemble
- respond appropriately to feedback on own skill development and performance
- consult with peers and mentors, including interpersonal skills relating to listening, questioning, gaining feedback and giving information
- initiative and enterprise skills to:
- work creatively with music and dance
- dance with artistry and assurance
- communicate mood, style and grace through dance
- develop new material for choreography through improvised partnering
- learning skills to:
- develop strong contemporary dance techniques through:
- practising complex movements and sequences
- a positive attitude to dancing
- implement a personal physical conditioning program
- planning and organising skills to plan practice time
- self-management skills to:
- arrive punctually at classes and rehearsals
- dress appropriately
- observe dance discipline and follow direction
- apply safe dance practices and identify risk factors
- demonstrate professional work ethic
- show a consistent level of commitment
- teamwork skills to work collaboratively with others involved in dance classes
- technical dance skills to:
- execute high level of competency in each section of class work
- respond to different time signatures
- execute counterbalance, support, manipulation mechanics and medium power lifting
- demonstrate facility in grip leverage, thrust and counter-thrust and coordinated timing
- perform isolation and energy placement techniques
- retain and reproduce complex movement sequences
- show alignment and extensions in combinations of a high level of difficulty
- reproduce complex movement sequences on both sides of the body
- show facility and speed in directional changes
- develop a high level of spatial awareness in group movements, including floor patterns and aerial pathways
- exhibit a high level and range of coordination of limbs, torso and head
- observe and interpret the physical body.
Required knowledge
- genres, styles and philosophical nature of contemporary dance
- influential choreographers in contemporary dance
- relationship between acting and contemporary dance
- correct contemporary dance terminology
- roles or hierarchy in professional situations, such as:
- auditions
- rehearsals
- performances
- principles underlying dance movements and techniques, including:
- movement efficiency
- relationship with gravity
- spatial awareness
- successional movement
- use of breath
- folding
- extending
- rotating
- shifting weight
- anatomical and alignment principles, including:
- skeletal structure
- articulation of the spine
- engagement of the feet
- bases of support, including feet, legs, hands, arms and torso
- range of motion of the joints
- differentiation of the legs and pelvis
- risk factors in dance activities for the physical body
- stage geography and directions
- musical rhythms, including:
- time signatures
- beat
- tempo
- syncopation.
Evidence Guide
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment |
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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
Evidence of the ability to:
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
Assessment must ensure access to:
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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:
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:
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Range Statement
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Risk factors may relate to: |
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Warm-up and cool-down may include: |
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Contemporary dance technique may include: |
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Sections of class work include: |
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Performance attributes may include: |
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Footwork may include: |
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Choreographic skills may include: |
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Stimuli may include: |
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Rhythms may include: |
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Time signatures may include: |
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Contemporary dance styles may include: |
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Professional work ethic may refer to: |
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Injury-prevention techniques may include: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Performing arts - dance
Custom Content Section
Not applicable.