Assessor Resource

CUADAN607
Extend contemporary dance technique to a professional level

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to show range, depth, precision and complexity across contemporary dance technique and repertoire at a professional level.

This unit applies to dancers who are moving towards professional careers in contexts where complex contemporary dance technique is required for performing as members of a dance company as an ensemble or soloist dancer or in other professional contexts.

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 responsibility for themselves and others during practice sessions, rehearsals and live performances.

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. Excel at a physical conditioning program

1.1 Meet physical conditioning requirements of professional dance work

1.2 Demonstrate ongoing 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 Observe safe dance practice by performing warm-up and warm-down activities in conjunction with dance activities

2. Execute a professional level of artistry and presentation in practice sessions

2.1 Apply a professional level of concentration and expertise to refine extended contemporary dance technique in each section of class work

2.2 Develop complex performance attributes and quality of movement in sequences of extended difficulty

2.3 Show strength, precision and complexity in all aspects of footwork

2.4 Exhibit professionalism and adaptability to incorporate unseen combinations with speed and verve

2.5 Refine techniques for working with a partner

2.6 Demonstrate through ongoing technical strength, diversity and refinement, evidence of advanced self-correction and concentrated response to feedback

3. Extend improvisation techniques

3.1 Practise improvisation tasks of increasing complexity and diversity

3.2 Apply an ever-expanding movement vocabulary and spontaneity in response to various stimuli

3.3 Achieve a mature performance quality through improvised solos and scored group work

3.4 Use a wide range of improvisation skills to extend choreographic possibilities

4. Practise complex contemporary dance movement sequences

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

4.2 Convey a high level of spatial awareness appropriate to solo and group work

4.3 Execute group work with a professional sense of cohesion, and solo work demonstrating strong musical individuality

4.4 Present variations and complex movement sequences with a high level of stage presence and confidence across contemporary dance styles

5. Develop professional practice

5.1 Refine professional work ethic and knowledge of contemporary dance history and trends

5.2 In consultation with teachers and mentors, develop realistic parameters for extending scope of performance practice

5.3 Identify regimes and artistic strategies to refine own performance technique

Evidence of the ability to:

demonstrate through the execution of sequences the following dance skills:

mature understanding of dance improvisation as a skilled technique

alignment and extensions in highly difficult combinations

reproduction of complex movement sequences on both sides of the body

skills and speed in directional changes

high level of spatial awareness in group movements

high level of coordination of limbs, torso and head

develop professional practice

display a consistent level of commitment to developing performance quality and artistry in the given style

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:

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

extending

folding

relationship with gravity

rotating

shifting weight

spatial awareness

successional movement

use of breath

demonstrate physical and conceptual understanding of the fundamental technical principles in contemporary dance

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

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

in relation to contemporary dance, demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of:

choreographic and stylistic nuances

genres, styles and philosophical nature

influential choreographers

the role of acting.

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. Excel at a physical conditioning program

1.1 Meet physical conditioning requirements of professional dance work

1.2 Demonstrate ongoing 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 Observe safe dance practice by performing warm-up and warm-down activities in conjunction with dance activities

2. Execute a professional level of artistry and presentation in practice sessions

2.1 Apply a professional level of concentration and expertise to refine extended contemporary dance technique in each section of class work

2.2 Develop complex performance attributes and quality of movement in sequences of extended difficulty

2.3 Show strength, precision and complexity in all aspects of footwork

2.4 Exhibit professionalism and adaptability to incorporate unseen combinations with speed and verve

2.5 Refine techniques for working with a partner

2.6 Demonstrate through ongoing technical strength, diversity and refinement, evidence of advanced self-correction and concentrated response to feedback

3. Extend improvisation techniques

3.1 Practise improvisation tasks of increasing complexity and diversity

3.2 Apply an ever-expanding movement vocabulary and spontaneity in response to various stimuli

3.3 Achieve a mature performance quality through improvised solos and scored group work

3.4 Use a wide range of improvisation skills to extend choreographic possibilities

4. Practise complex contemporary dance movement sequences

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

4.2 Convey a high level of spatial awareness appropriate to solo and group work

4.3 Execute group work with a professional sense of cohesion, and solo work demonstrating strong musical individuality

4.4 Present variations and complex movement sequences with a high level of stage presence and confidence across contemporary dance styles

5. Develop professional practice

5.1 Refine professional work ethic and knowledge of contemporary dance history and trends

5.2 In consultation with teachers and mentors, develop realistic parameters for extending scope of performance practice

5.3 Identify regimes and artistic strategies to refine own performance technique

Evidence of the ability to:

demonstrate through the execution of sequences the following dance skills:

mature understanding of dance improvisation as a skilled technique

alignment and extensions in highly difficult combinations

reproduction of complex movement sequences on both sides of the body

skills and speed in directional changes

high level of spatial awareness in group movements

high level of coordination of limbs, torso and head

develop professional practice

display a consistent level of commitment to developing performance quality and artistry in the given style

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:

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

extending

folding

relationship with gravity

rotating

shifting weight

spatial awareness

successional movement

use of breath

demonstrate physical and conceptual understanding of the fundamental technical principles in contemporary dance

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

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

in relation to contemporary dance, demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of:

choreographic and stylistic nuances

genres, styles and philosophical nature

influential choreographers

the role of acting.

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
Meet physical conditioning requirements of professional dance work 
Demonstrate ongoing stamina, strength, cardiovascular endurance and flexibility 
Minimise risk factors that inhibit the achievement of goals and seek professional assistance when required 
Observe safe dance practice by performing warm-up and warm-down activities in conjunction with dance activities 
Apply a professional level of concentration and expertise to refine extended contemporary dance technique in each section of class work 
Develop complex performance attributes and quality of movement in sequences of extended difficulty 
Show strength, precision and complexity in all aspects of footwork 
Exhibit professionalism and adaptability to incorporate unseen combinations with speed and verve 
Refine techniques for working with a partner 
Demonstrate through ongoing technical strength, diversity and refinement, evidence of advanced self-correction and concentrated response to feedback 
Practise improvisation tasks of increasing complexity and diversity 
Apply an ever-expanding movement vocabulary and spontaneity in response to various stimuli 
Achieve a mature performance quality through improvised solos and scored group work 
Use a wide range of improvisation skills to extend choreographic possibilities 
Practise complex movements with increased attention to rhythms and time signatures commonly used in contemporary dance 
Convey a high level of spatial awareness appropriate to solo and group work 
Execute group work with a professional sense of cohesion, and solo work demonstrating strong musical individuality 
Present variations and complex movement sequences with a high level of stage presence and confidence across contemporary dance styles 
Refine professional work ethic and knowledge of contemporary dance history and trends 
In consultation with teachers and mentors, develop realistic parameters for extending scope of performance practice 
Identify regimes and artistic strategies to refine own performance technique 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CUADAN607 - Extend contemporary dance technique to a professional level
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:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

CUADAN607 - Extend contemporary dance technique to a professional level

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: