Persons with some dance experience apply the skills and knowledge outlined in this unit. Usually experience would have been gained in dance classes and amateur performances, often from an early age. However, this unit also applies to individuals with no prior training, but an aptitude for dance and an interest in developing classical ballet technique.
At this level foundation ballet dance techniques are applied under the close supervision of experienced dancers and dance teachers. Classes would usually be conducted in private dance studios or in venues such as community halls, where flooring is appropriate for the safe teaching of dance.
Not applicable.
1. Practise barre work | 1.1. Under the guidance of a teacher, perform stretching exercises 1.2. Perform set exercises using upper and lower body movements 1.3. Incorporate a feel for music into exercises |
2. Practise centre exercises | 2.1. Perform set exercises using upper and lower body movements 2.2. Demonstrate musicality while performing adage and pirouettes at a foundation level 2.3. Demonstrate spatial awareness, correct breathing and musicality while performing allegro exercises at a foundation level 2.4. Perform cool-down exercises after dance activity |
3. Perform a simple dance sequence | 3.1. Under the guidance of a teacher, select a prepared dance sequence to perform in class 3.2. Develop understanding of the concept behind and story-line of the selected dance sequence 3.3. Perform the sequence with expression and to the best of one’s ability 3.4. Apply safe dance practices at all times to prevent injury to self and others 3.5. Commence and end the sequence in an appropriate way 3.6 Follow advice from others about ways to improve own dance technique |
Required skills
communication and teamwork skills to:
work cooperatively with others in a learning environment
discuss aspects of exercises and dance sequences with colleagues and teachers
initiative and enterprise skills to:
express feelings and ideas about music through dance
move in line with the mood, rhythm, style and tempo of music
learning skills to:
improve dance technique through practice and a positive attitude to dancing
respond appropriately to constructive feedback on own skill development
self-management skills to:
arrive punctually at classes
dress appropriately
follow safe dance practices to prevent injury to self and others.
Required knowledge
sound knowledge of safe dance practices, such as:
warm-up and cool-down activities
correct clothing and footwear
how nutrition and diet:
affect physical and mental wellbeing
contribute to injury prevention
basic knowledge of:
classical ballet terminology
stories of major ballets
history of ballet in the Russian Imperial era
music notation
music tempos and associated dance styles.
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: perform barre and centre exercises, within personal capabilities perform a simple dance sequence that demonstrates a mastery of foundation ballet dance techniques respond appropriately to constructive feedback on own performance. |
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 direct observation or video recording of candidate in dance classes 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. 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: CUAOHS101A Follow basic safe dance practices. |
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.
Stretching exercises should: | be undertaken with care and to the level of own ability incorporate correct breathing technique show appropriate use of placing at the barre and in the centre. |
Set exercises must relate to: | showing correct posture, rotation and turnout five positions of feet and arms demonstrating correct placing and alignment of the body transferring weight with balance, control and strength movement of legs and feet through the floor and in the air expressing a flow of movement with arms, head and eyes coordination of arms and legs good use of stretched legs and feet careful and good use of demi pointe performing port de bras, including: correct placing of the arm and arabesque lines balanced and harmonious arm lines focused use of head and eyes. |
Execution of adage and pirouettes | show correct placing, flow and control demonstrate appropriate alignment and balanced arm lines show understanding of rotations involve neat and controlled pirouette with correct preparations and neat finishes show a spotting head in pirouettes. |
Execution of allegro exercises at a foundation level should: | show good use of demi-plié and stretching of feet and legs demonstrate height in steps of elevation involve executing steps with clear use of placing, ballon and controlled turnout and elevation show correct alignment of the body involve performing unseen enchaînements. |
Safe dance practices relate to: | understanding the body’s capabilities and limitations, including: alignment flexibility (mobility) strength (stability) cardiorespiratory endurance muscular endurance appropriate footwear and clothing barefoot dancing 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 effect of different ground surfaces, such as: moving float podium or raised platform runway concrete or hard floor pavement slippery floor sticky floor floor that is too springy sloping surface earth correct execution of dance steps nutrition and diet. |
Commencing and ending in an appropriate way may involve: | performing the entrance with presentation, style and spatial awareness showing enjoyment to the audience in a reverence or a bow. |
Performing arts - dance
This unit contains employability skills.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.