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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare for dance classes
   • Ensure dance elements or movements for classes are safely sequenced
   • Identify and minimise risk factors in the teaching of contemporary classes
   • Check that learners are wearing appropriate practice clothing and footwear
   • Demonstrate appropriate warm-up techniques
2. Demonstrate basic contemporary dance techniques
   • Demonstrate to learners correct posture and body alignment appropriate to contemporary dance techniques and movement
   • Demonstrate isolation and coordination of the upper and lower body in simple movement sequences
   • Demonstrate a range of techniques that integrate balance, flexibility, stamina, coordination, weight transfer and control and articulation of individual body parts
   • Emphasise the importance of control, attention to detail and memory when demonstrating the simple chaining together of steps or combination of steps
   • Demonstrate correct timing and phrasing between contemporary dance movement and the accompanying music
   • Follow safe dance practice in teaching activities to minimise risk of injuries
   • Demonstrate appropriate warm-down techniques
   • Manage class dynamics and learner behaviour to encourage learning
3. Maintain expertise in basic contemporary dance technique
   • Use feedback from relevant personnel about the quality of classes to identify areas of own teaching practice that could be improved
   • Use a range of sources to keep up-to-date with current industry issues, trends and codes of practice
   • Participate in professional development activities as required

Range Statement

This section specifies different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Techniques taught at a basic level must relate to:

exercises and sequences incorporating air work, such as rolls correct body alignment dancing barefoot floor work focusing eyes and mind while performing isocentric and polycentric isolations locomotor exercises and sequences, such as: pirouettes posés piqués pencil turns châinés kicks jumps and leaps maintaining control in turning balances maintaining rhythm and tempo non-locomotor exercises and sequences: pliés tendus working on and off centre using arm lines appropriately working at differing tempos.

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Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to:

demonstrate basic contemporary dance technique

demonstrate correct warm-up and warm-down techniques and follow safe dance practices in teaching activities

demonstrate short and simple enchaînements

demonstrate musicality, expression, phrasing and correct timing, and sensitivity in movement sequences

interact effectively and constructively with learners

evaluate own teaching practice and identify ways to improve it.

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

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Knowledge Evidence

To complete the unit requirements the individual must:

in the context of demonstrating dance technique, explain the significance of the following anatomical foundations:

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

describe:

key principles in the Australian Guidelines for Dance Teachers and Dance Industry Code of Ethics

contemporary dance principles and techniques

features of commonly performed contemporary dance repertoire

graded progress requirements according to dance society levels

issues and challenges that arise when teaching contemporary dance

key aspects of safe dance practice

protocols associated with teaching dance.

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