Modification History
Version |
Comments |
CUADAN611A |
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 achieve virtuoso technique in contemporary dance, with particular application to solo performances.
Application of the Unit
This unit applies to dancers moving towards professional careers in contexts where virtuoso contemporary dance technique is required for performing as members of a dance company as a soloist and in other professional contexts.
At this level, dancers are constantly expanding and perfecting their artistry, technique and repertoire across a number of dance styles and genres. 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. Excel at a physical conditioning program |
1.1. Continuously meet physical conditioning requirements of professional dance work 1.2. Demonstrate athleticism, stamina, strength, cardiovascular endurance and flexibility 1.3. Minimise risk factors that inhibit the achievement of goals and seek professional assistance when required 1.4. Always perform warm-up and cool-down activities in conjunction with dance activities |
2. Practise virtuoso technique |
2.1. Practise virtuoso contemporary dance technique across each section of class work 2.2. Demonstrate complex performance attributes and quality of movement in sequences of extended difficulty and speed 2.3. Show strength, precision and complexity in all aspects of footwork 2.4. Execute complex variations of contemporary dance repertoire with accuracy, applying the virtuoso style 2.5. Exhibit a professional level of physical learning and adaptability to incorporate unseen combinations 2.6. Demonstrate through ongoing technical strength, diversity and refinement, evidence of advanced self-correction and concentrated response to feedback |
3. Perform advanced solo variations |
3.1. Research and analyse a chosen solo from contemporary dance repertoire 3.2. Execute repertoire with high level technical accuracy and virtuoso interpretation of music and rhythm 3.3. Convey a high level of spatial awareness, including floor patterns and aerial pathways 3.4. Execute solo work with a professional sense of musical individuality 3.5. Present virtuoso style with a high level of individual artistry, interpretation, expression and physical control |
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:
- 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
- learning skills to:
- perfect virtuoso contemporary dance techniques through:
- practising complex movements and sequences
- a positive attitude to dancing
- excel at a personal physical conditioning program
- planning and organising skills to:
- prepare for performances and auditions
- plan practice time
- self-management skills to demonstrate professional work ethic
- technical dance skills to:
- execute high level of competency in each section of class work, including technical requirements, such as:
- transference of weight
- placement and coordination of body parts
- strength and stability
- posture
- balance
- rotation
- employ physical control throughout solo performances
- maintain correct posture, weight placement and alignment in both parallel and fully rotated turn-out position
- 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
- respond to different time signatures
- demonstrate facility in 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
- demonstrate a high level of spatial awareness, including floor patterns and aerial pathways
- exhibit a high level and range of coordination of limbs, torso and head
- exhibit confidence in creating movement sequences
- show a consistent level of commitment.
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
- virtuoso technique as it applies to each section of dance work, such as:
- warm up
- stretching
- floor work
- centre practice
- falls
- turns
- jumps
- travelling
- cool down
- principles underlying dance movements and virtuoso techniques, such as:
- relationship with gravity
- spatial awareness
- successional movement
- use of breath
- folding
- extending
- rotating
- shifting weight
- anatomical foundations, including:
- 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 contemporary dance for the physical body
- 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 execute:
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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 may include: |
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Performance attributes may include: |
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Footwork may include: |
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Repertoire may include: |
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Physical learning and adaptability 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.