Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to build a solid foundation in tap dance technique under the supervision of experienced dancers and dance teachers.
Persons with some dance experience apply the skills and knowledge outlined in this unit. Usually, experience would have been gained in dance classes, amateur performances or community dance activities, often from an early age. However, this unit also applies to individuals with no prior training, but with an aptitude for dance and an interest in developing tap dance technique.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance Criteria Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Practise barre work | 1.1 Under the guidance of a teacher, perform stretching exercises 1.2 Perform exercises to develop coordination of arm and lower limb movements 1.3 Practise using arm lines appropriately 1.4 Incorporate a sense of timing and rhythm into exercises 1.5 Use tap dance terminology correctly in discussions |
2. Practise dance centre amalgamations | 2.1 Perform exercises away from the barre to develop an awareness of personal and general space when travelling and stationary 2.2 Demonstrate safe dance practices in jumping and faster travelling steps 2.3 Coordinate arm and head lines with foot movements at a foundation level 2.4 Practise turning and use of spotting 2.5 Choreograph two bars of steps and perform in a class jam session 2.6 Perform warm-down exercises after dance activity |
3. Perform simple dances | 3.1 Under the guidance of a teacher, select a prepared tap dance to perform before a small audience 3.2 Communicate the mood or style of the dance to the audience 3.3 Maintain timing, rhythm and technique when dancing without musical accompaniment 3.4 Use a good control of line when performing 3.5 End the dance in an appropriate way |
4. Review performance | 4.1 Evaluate own performance in context of skill development needs 4.2 Use feedback from others to identify and develop ways to improve own dance technique 4.3 Set realistic goals for improvement and develop strategies to achieve them |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
perform barre and centre exercises
perform two dances of differing tempos and styles that demonstrate a mastery of foundation tap dance techniques
respond to constructive feedback on own performance.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided for each of the above points at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements the individual must:
explain why the following aspects of safe dance practices are important:
warm-up and warm-down activities
correct clothing and footwear
healthy nutrition and diet
describe key features in the history of tap dance styles and the music tempos typically associated with them.
Assessment Conditions
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 appropriate dance performance areas or spaces.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Learning | 1.1, 4.2 | Accepts guidance and feedback from others on ways to improve technique |
Oral communication | 1.1, 1.5, 3.1, 3.5 | Obtains information by listening and questioning |
Navigate the world of work | 2.2, 2.4 | Applies a knowledge of safe dance practice to learning and performance activities |
Interact with others | 1.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.5 | Discusses aspects of exercises and dance techniques with colleagues and teachers Uses performance skills to communicate the message of dance sequences |
Get the work done | 1.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5 | Completes performance activities in line with agreed program |
Sectors
Performing arts – dance