Assessor Resource

CUADAN505
Refine contemporary dance technique

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to add range, depth and increasing complexity to contemporary dance technique.

At this level, dancers are challenging themselves with dance pieces and repertoire of increasing technical and physical complexity.

This unit applies to those who are consolidating their career where complex contemporary dance technique is required in commercial or competition settings. Dancers are usually performing as members of an ensemble, but some solo work can also be expected.

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 responsibility for themselves and others.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

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



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.

Elements

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance Criteria

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Maintain a physical conditioning program

1.1 In consultation with teachers and mentors, set realistic physical conditioning goals aimed at improving own dance technique

1.2 Use 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 and personal limitations into account when undertaking physical conditioning program

1.5 Perform warm-up and warm-down activities in conjunction with dance activities

2. Practise contemporary dance technique of increasing difficulty

2.1 Apply a high level of concentration 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 Apply timing and weight centring when working with a partner

3. Develop physical learning and adaptability skills

3.1 Perform 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 Take account of individual attributes and expectations of the profession when reviewing personal goals

3.4 Refine improvisation skills in response to various stimuli through an ever-expanding movement vocabulary

4. Execute highly difficult sequences

4.1 Practise repertoire with increased attention to rhythms and time signatures commonly used in contemporary dance

4.2 Execute group work demonstrating strong 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 demonstrating the stylistic differences in a range of contemporary styles and approaches

4.6 Accomplish solo work with developing musical individuality

4.7 Present sequences with a high level of stage presence and confidence across contemporary dance styles

5. Maintain expertise in contemporary dance technique

5.1 Apply professional work ethic to practice and performance activities

5.2 Incorporate injury-prevention techniques into dance and movement activities

5.3 Use feedback from others to identify and develop ways to improve own contemporary dance technique and group work

5.4 Regularly view performances by industry practitioners as a way of sourcing new ideas, identifying trends, maintaining motivation, and improving own technique

5.5 Incorporate contemporary dance terminology, culture and history into discussions, and practice and performance activities

Evidence of the ability to:

perform complex combinations of contemporary dance technique consistently over time using:

muscular strength and flexibility

control of movement

quality and breadth of movement

individual artistic qualities

torso contractions and releases

triplets and layouts

complex enchaînements

combinations of spatial organisations with turns, balances and jumps of increasing difficulty and dynamic continuity

demonstrate a high level of concentration and expertise in each section of class work

establish clear personal goals and engage in self-assessment processes that indicate an informed level of critical analysis of technique

use contemporary dance terminology correctly.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided for each of the above points at least once.

To complete the unit requirements the individual must:

describe:

genres, styles and philosophical nature of contemporary dance

contribution of influential choreographers

relationship between acting and contemporary dance

roles and hierarchy in auditions, rehearsals and performances

explain how the following principles relate to physical movements and contemporary dance techniques:

relationship with gravity

spatial awareness

successional movement

use of breath

folding

extending

rotating

shifting weight

explain how the following apply in the context of safe dance practice and injury prevention:

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

healthy nutrition and diet

explain and demonstrate how the musical elements of time signatures, beat, tempo and syncopation apply to contemporary dance technique.

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:

fully equipped dance studios with suitable flooring

appropriate music or accompanists.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.


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.

Elements

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance Criteria

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Maintain a physical conditioning program

1.1 In consultation with teachers and mentors, set realistic physical conditioning goals aimed at improving own dance technique

1.2 Use 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 and personal limitations into account when undertaking physical conditioning program

1.5 Perform warm-up and warm-down activities in conjunction with dance activities

2. Practise contemporary dance technique of increasing difficulty

2.1 Apply a high level of concentration 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 Apply timing and weight centring when working with a partner

3. Develop physical learning and adaptability skills

3.1 Perform 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 Take account of individual attributes and expectations of the profession when reviewing personal goals

3.4 Refine improvisation skills in response to various stimuli through an ever-expanding movement vocabulary

4. Execute highly difficult sequences

4.1 Practise repertoire with increased attention to rhythms and time signatures commonly used in contemporary dance

4.2 Execute group work demonstrating strong 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 demonstrating the stylistic differences in a range of contemporary styles and approaches

4.6 Accomplish solo work with developing musical individuality

4.7 Present sequences with a high level of stage presence and confidence across contemporary dance styles

5. Maintain expertise in contemporary dance technique

5.1 Apply professional work ethic to practice and performance activities

5.2 Incorporate injury-prevention techniques into dance and movement activities

5.3 Use feedback from others to identify and develop ways to improve own contemporary dance technique and group work

5.4 Regularly view performances by industry practitioners as a way of sourcing new ideas, identifying trends, maintaining motivation, and improving own technique

5.5 Incorporate contemporary dance terminology, culture and history into discussions, and practice and performance activities

Evidence of the ability to:

perform complex combinations of contemporary dance technique consistently over time using:

muscular strength and flexibility

control of movement

quality and breadth of movement

individual artistic qualities

torso contractions and releases

triplets and layouts

complex enchaînements

combinations of spatial organisations with turns, balances and jumps of increasing difficulty and dynamic continuity

demonstrate a high level of concentration and expertise in each section of class work

establish clear personal goals and engage in self-assessment processes that indicate an informed level of critical analysis of technique

use contemporary dance terminology correctly.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided for each of the above points at least once.

To complete the unit requirements the individual must:

describe:

genres, styles and philosophical nature of contemporary dance

contribution of influential choreographers

relationship between acting and contemporary dance

roles and hierarchy in auditions, rehearsals and performances

explain how the following principles relate to physical movements and contemporary dance techniques:

relationship with gravity

spatial awareness

successional movement

use of breath

folding

extending

rotating

shifting weight

explain how the following apply in the context of safe dance practice and injury prevention:

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

healthy nutrition and diet

explain and demonstrate how the musical elements of time signatures, beat, tempo and syncopation apply to contemporary dance technique.

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:

fully equipped dance studios with suitable flooring

appropriate music or accompanists.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

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
In consultation with teachers and mentors, set realistic physical conditioning goals aimed at improving own dance technique 
Use a range of techniques to improve stamina, strength and flexibility 
Identify risk factors that may inhibit the achievement of goals and seek professional advice as required 
Take fatigue and personal limitations into account when undertaking physical conditioning program 
Perform warm-up and warm-down activities in conjunction with dance activities 
Apply a high level of concentration and expertise to increasingly difficult contemporary dance technique in each section of class work 
Develop increasingly complex performance attributes 
Apply principles of alignment with power, flexibility, coordination and cardiovascular endurance throughout classes 
Show developed strength and complexity in footwork 
Apply timing and weight centring when working with a partner 
Perform new and complex movement sequences that demand different spatial orientations and changes in speed 
Incorporate choreographic skills into relevant sections of class work 
Take account of individual attributes and expectations of the profession when reviewing personal goals 
Refine improvisation skills in response to various stimuli through an ever-expanding movement vocabulary 
Practise repertoire with increased attention to rhythms and time signatures commonly used in contemporary dance 
Execute group work demonstrating strong cohesion 
Execute extended sequences to right and left sides without prompting 
Incorporate unseen combinations with speed and verve 
Perform with a clear sense of personal style while demonstrating the stylistic differences in a range of contemporary styles and approaches 
Accomplish solo work with developing musical individuality 
Present sequences with a high level of stage presence and confidence across contemporary dance styles 
Apply professional work ethic to practice and performance activities 
Incorporate injury-prevention techniques into dance and movement activities 
Use feedback from others to identify and develop ways to improve own contemporary dance technique and group work 
Regularly view performances by industry practitioners as a way of sourcing new ideas, identifying trends, maintaining motivation, and improving own technique 
Incorporate contemporary dance terminology, culture and history into discussions, and practice and performance activities 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CUADAN505 - Refine contemporary dance technique
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

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

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

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Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

CUADAN505 - Refine 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

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: