CUADAN308A Increase depth of contemporary dance technique

Release: 1

CUADAN308A Increase depth of contemporary dance technique

Modification History

Version	Comments
CUADAN308A	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 consolidate basic contemporary dance technique to achieve a greater depth of expression in performances.

Application of the Unit

This unit applies to dancers who are pursuing a career in contexts where contemporary dance skills are required. They could be preparing for performances in commercial or community settings where they would usually be performing as members of an ensemble.

At this level, work is normally supervised, though some autonomy and judgement can be expected within established parameters.

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. 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. 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 contemporary dance technique	2.1. Practise a range of exercises in preparation for contemporary dance performances 2.2. Choreograph and perform basic contemporary dance routines, in a learning environment 2.3. Practise controlling movement such as momentum from turns, jumps, kicks and splits 2.4. Perform contemporary dance techniques with increasing confidence and expertise, in a learning environment 2.5. Incorporate musicality, rhythm and correct timing into performances 2.6. Inject dramatic nuance into dance movements as required 2.7. Coordinate position and movement between other dancers
3. Maintain expertise	3.1. Continuously practise basic movements 3.2. Maintain and update knowledge of contemporary dance terminology 3.3. Use feedback from teachers and mentors to identify and develop ways to improve own contemporary dance performance skills 3.4. Regularly view performances by industry practitioners as a way of sourcing new ideas and trends, and maintaining motivation

Required Skills and Knowledge

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills

aural and visual skills to:

recognise patterns and sequences

develop a movement memory

recognise music systems

develop aural and visual imagination

communication skills to:

discuss dance and physical conditioning issues with relevant personnel

respond appropriately to feedback on own skill development

initiative and enterprise skills to:

work creatively with music and dance

dance with strong stage presence, confidence and projection

communicate the mood or style of dances to audiences

use imagination to choreograph simple contemporary routines

learning skills to:

improve own contemporary dance techniques through practice and a positive attitude to dancing

develop and implement a personal physical conditioning program

develop a movement memory

planning and organising skills to plan practice time

self-management skills to:

arrive punctually at classes

dress appropriately

observe dance discipline and follow direction

apply safe dance practices

teamwork skills to work collaboratively with others involved in dance classes.

Required knowledge

well-developed knowledge of:

principles underlying dance movements and 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

importance of healthy food choices in relation to wellbeing and injury prevention, including five food groups and recommended daily amounts

contemporary dance terminology

stage geography and directions

principles and application of movement to music

musical rhythms, including:

time signatures

beat

tempo

syncopation

overview knowledge of:

main periods in the history of contemporary dance, including prominent dancers

ways of notating contemporary dance.

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
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit	Evidence of the ability to: improve contemporary dance technique over a 6 to12 month period perform a range of basic contemporary 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: CUACHR301A Develop basic dance composition skills CUADAN304A Develop dance improvisational skills CUAPRF307A Develop performance techniques.

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.

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 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.
Exercises may relate to adapting classical ballet movements to a contemporary dance context, such as:	feet: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th parallel open parallel turned in turned out pliés in all positions (incorporated arms) tendus in all positions: turned in turned out flex pointe basic port de bras long and short jumps in position and moving jumps pirouettes and jazz turns barrel turns single and partnered turns stretches in 1st, 2nd and 4th floor positions standing lying and sitting exercises floor work articulated movement torso contractions and releases isolations matching dance movement to appropriate breathing technique coordinated symmetrical and asymmetrical movements.
Contemporary dance techniques may include:	Cunningham Graham release technique upper and lower body poses, phrases and movements correct breathing techniques balanced positions, including: elevation of steps body positions transitions while in motion and while stationary standing work and travel combinations jump work variations in timing and styles of movement expressing a range of emotions through the language of dance centre control improvisation spotting employment of strength and agility employing visualisation techniques employing strength and agility demonstrating an awareness of personal and general space when travelling and stationary using arm lines appropriately and extensively multi-turning exercises clean, sharp isocentric and polycentric isolations correct posture and alignment when in motion demonstrating safe dance practices in jumping and faster travelling steps footwork, arm lines and head movements in combination to express rhythm performing complex turns while maintaining good technique moving against gravity with confidence and knowledge.

Unit Sector(s)

Performing arts - dance

Custom Content Section

Not applicable.