Modification History
Version |
Comments |
CUADAN608A |
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 perform complex contemporary dance technique demonstrating range, depth, precision and artistry across contemporary dance repertoire at a professional level.
Application of the Unit
This unit applies to dancers who are moving towards professional careers in contexts where complex contemporary dance technique and versatility are required for performing as members of a professional dance company as an ensemble or soloist dancer.
At this level, dancers are constantly refining their technique and perfecting their artistry across complex dance sequences and repertoire, including improvisation, solo and group work.
While some supervision and guidance are provided in practice sessions and rehearsals, dancers are expected to display a high level of motivation and sense of responsibility for themselves and others during practice sessions, rehearsals and live performances.
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. Execute a professional level of artistry and presentation in rehearsals |
1.1. Always perform warm-up and cool-down activities in conjunction with dance activities 1.2. Apply a professional level of concentration, facility and expertise to refine extended contemporary dance technique in each section of class work 1.3. Develop complex performance attributes and quality of movement in sequences of extended difficulty 1.4. Show strength, precision and complexity in all aspects of footwork 1.5. Exhibit a professional level of physical learning and adaptability to incorporate unseen combinations with speed and verve 1.6. Refine techniques for working with a partner 1.7. Demonstrate through ongoing technical strength, diversity and refinement, evidence of advanced self-correction and concentrated response to feedback |
2. Perform at a professional level |
2.1. Undertake preparations appropriate to performance contexts 2.2. Ensure that personal presentation is appropriate to performance contexts 2.3. Apply performance psychology techniques to preparations 2.4. Perform repertoire demonstrating an understanding of nuances and characteristics of choreographic styles 2.5. Convey, through dance, the range of human emotions required to execute the dance pieces as intended 2.6. Inject performances with a sense of light and shade in line with choreographic intent 2.7. Follow direction from artistic director or choreographers as required 2.8. Contribute to debriefing sessions to evaluate the quality of performances and to discuss ways of improving individual or ensemble technique |
3. Incorporate allied contemporary dance techniques into professional level performances |
3.1. Demonstrate complex performance attributes and quality of movement in sequences based on improvisation, in complex duo sequences and in high velocity acrobatic moves. 3.2. Sense when partner needs to leave a balance, or needs to be steadied, and be there to offer support in duo and dance tumbling 3.3. Adapt to a range of choreographic moments by engaging with differences and similarities of shape and dynamic quality. 3.4. Apply the flexibility, sense of line and clear positions essential to the form 3.5. Engage with the style and intention of the relevant choreographic form through the application of skills and knowledge of allied contemporary dance techniques |
4. Develop professional practice |
4.1. Develop and refine professional work ethic 4.2. Develop realistic parameters as a basis for extending scope of performance practice 4.3. Identify regimes and artistic strategies that will refine own performance 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
- adapt appropriately to cultural differences in dance
- dance with artistry and assurance
- communicate mood, style and grace through dance
- develop increased range and sequencing of individually-unique improvised movements
- 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
- extend improvisational responses to a wide range of stimuli for performance and choreographic development
- planning and organising skills to plan practice time
- self-management skills to:
- arrive punctually at classes, rehearsals and performances
- 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
- maintain spatial discretion between self and others when moving
- teamwork skills to work collaboratively with others involved in dance classes and performances
- 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 high level isolation and energy placement techniques
- retain and reproduce complex movement sequences
- show alignment and extensions in combinations of a high level of difficulty
- execute balances, turns and jumps on and off centre in a wide variety of shapes
- perform multiple turns in a variety of body shapes
- 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
- choreographic and stylistic nuance in relation to contemporary dance
- 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, such as:
- 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 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.
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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Physical learning and adaptability may include: |
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Techniques may include: |
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Preparations may include: |
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Performance contexts may include: |
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Personal presentation may include: |
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Performance psychology techniques may include: |
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Emotions may include: |
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Performance attributes may include: |
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Professional work ethic may refer to: |
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Extending scope of performance practice may include: |
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Regimes and artistic strategies may include: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Performing arts - dance
Custom Content Section
Not applicable.