Assessor Resource

CUADAN205A
Perform basic contemporary dance technique

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Persons with some practical experience in contemporary dance apply the skills and knowledge outlined in this unit. They would normally perform as members of a group or ensemble.

At this level basic contemporary dance techniques are applied under the close supervision of experienced dancers and dance teachers. Performances would usually be within a learning environment for small audiences.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to appreciate contemporary dance as an art form and to perform basic contemporary dance forms and techniques in a learning environment.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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:

reproduce contemporary dance exercises and routines, within personal capabilities

convey the basic communicative message of contemporary dance steps and movements

display fluency of movement

apply the basic concepts of contemporary dance to own performances.

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 performance of dance skills

verbal or written questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit

review of candidate’s dance performances by peers and colleagues

analysis of dancer’s ability to convey dance’s intended meaning

direct observation or video recording of dance performance.

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:

CUADAN201A Develop basic dance techniques

CUADAN202A Incorporate artistic expression into basic dance performances

CUAPRF201A Prepare self for performances.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

communication skills to:

discuss dance issues with colleagues in an appropriate way

respond appropriately to feedback on own skill development and performance

initiative and enterprise skills to:

apply techniques of music to movement in dance forms

express rhythms in physical form

approach unknown works with confidence and energy

learning skills to:

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

develop a movement memory

planning and organising skills to:

prepare for performances

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 and performances

work in a cohesive partnership with a peer, interpreting a dance style.

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

overview knowledge of:

stagecraft as it relates to dancers, including:

costumes

make-up

props

lighting

history of contemporary dance, including prominent dancers.

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.

Movement philosophiesmay include:

Alexander technique

Bartenieff fundamentals

Feldenkrais method

Ideokinesis

Pilates

yoga

Thera-Band.

Terminologymay include:

grounded

contraction

floor work

contact improvisation.

Principles may include:

strong centre and back

good placement

active muscle use

off centre

balance

twisting movements

isolations

release

contractions

triplets

floor work.

Styles may include:

Graham

Cunningham

Hawkins

Horton

Humphrey-Weidman

release

Alvin Alley.

Basic contemporary dance techniquesmay relate to:

correct body alignment

contact improvisational techniques

corporeal mime

maintaining balance on supporting leg

maintaining control in turning balances

maintaining rhythm and tempo

using arm lines appropriately and extensively

fluid control of rolls

working at differing tempos

focusing eyes and mind while performing

dancing barefoot

isocentric and polycentric isolations

air work

floor work

improvisation

locomotor exercises and sequences, such as:

pirouettes

posés piqués

pencil turns

châinés

kicks

jumps and leaps

non-locomotor exercises and sequences, such as:

pliés

tendus

working on centre and off centre.

Safe dance practicesrelate to:

understanding the body’s capabilities and limitations, including:

alignment

flexibility (mobility)

strength (stability)

cardiorespiratory endurance

muscular endurance

warm-up and cool-down activities, such as:

gentle stretches

aerobic exercises

anaerobic exercises

breathing exercises

doing exercises and performing routines on flooring appropriate to genre and style of dance, such as:

sprung softwood

tarkett

sprung parquet

tongue and groove hardwood

resined for ballroom and Latin dance

non-slip for ballet

wood for tap and Spanish

correct execution of dance steps

appropriate clothing and footwear

nutrition and diet.

Aspectsmay include:

audience characteristics

costume requirements

length of performances

make-up

props

number of performances.

Relevant personnelmay include:

choreographers

community members

manager

mentors

performers

representatives of dance societies

supervisor.

Basic make-up may include:

face make-up

body paint

theatre make-up.

Costumes may include:

designer

streetwear

sportswear.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Develop understanding of movement philosophiesand terminologyemployed in contemporary dance 
Develop understanding of the underlyingprinciples of contemporary dance styles 
Under the guidance of mentors or teachers, develop a range of basic contemporary dance techniques 
Apply safe dance practicesat all times to prevent injury to self and others 
Explore natural body response to a range of contemporary dance styles, including movement and percussion 
Explore ways of incorporating acting techniques into dance routines as a way of expressing emotions and creating characters 
Practise performing choreography in unison with other dancers 
Follow advice from others about ways to improve own dance technique 
Discuss the intention and key aspects of routines with relevant personnel 
Apply basic make-up and wear appropriate costumes for performances 
Perform simple routines combining a variety of discrete movements in ensemble or individually 
Use props effectively and confidently as required 
Observe direction from relevant personnel 
Observe and follow dictates of music or rhythm 
Synchronise movements with ensemble where required 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CUADAN205A - Perform basic contemporary dance technique
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

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I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

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Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Assessment Record Sheet

CUADAN205A - Perform basic contemporary dance technique

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

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