Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge review Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance as an art form and to perform basic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance forms and techniques. It is intended that this unit be delivered by and to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who could be performing as members of a group in events in the local community or in public performances for visitors to their region or community.
Performances highlight the unique nature of Indigenous community culture, language, story-telling and traditional dress. At this level, basic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance techniques are applied under the supervision of experienced Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancers and cultural mentors.
The knowledge required to achieve competency in this unit may only be accessible to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and may be the cultural and intellectual property of specific communities.
Organisations delivering this unit must respect community protocols and heritage. Collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on the delivery and assessment of this unit is recommended.
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. Review Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance as an art form | 1.1 Discuss the intention and key aspects of dance performances with relevant personnel 1.2 Identify cultural protocols to be observed when performing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dances 1.3 Identify the range of influences on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance 1.4 Apply a knowledge of terminology associated with dances, movements and songs to discussions and activities |
2 Develop basic dance performance skills | 2.1 Apply basic body design and wear traditional costumes for performance 2.2 Under the guidance of mentors or teachers, develop a range of basic dance skills 2.3 Follow safe dance practices at all times to prevent injury to self and others 2.4 Identify body response to varying Indigenous styles, including movement and percussion 2.5 Follow advice from others about ways to improve own dance technique |
3. Perform short dance sequences | 3.1 Use Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander instruments with sensitivity and expression 3.2 Enact simple sequences combining discrete movements in an ensemble or individually 3.3 Follow direction from relevant personnel 3.4 Observe and follow dictates of music and rhythm 3.5 Synchronise movements with ensemble where required 3.6 Seek feedback from others about ways to improve dance techniques |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
perform Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance exercises and sequences
convey the basic spirituality of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance steps and movements
display fluency of movement when performing
apply the basic concepts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander dance to own performances.
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:
describe the following aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance:
community language
language of dance
language of body markings
history and roles of dance in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures
traditional roles, especially as they relate to dance performance, including cross-cultural, cross-gender or gender-specific roles
body and face painting techniques
ways to organise appropriate costuming
explain the following principles that relate to developing basic dance skills:
relationship with gravity
spatial awareness
successional movement
use of breath
folding
extending
rotating
shifting weight
explain how the following apply to 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.
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:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, custodians and other culturally knowledgeable people authorised by their communities to act as mentors in performance disciplines
appropriate dance performance areas or spaces, including outdoor locations.
Assessors must ensure that the cultural and intellectual property rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are protected.
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 | 2.2, 2.5 | Seeks feedback and accepts guidance from others to improve own technique |
Oral communication | 1.1, 2.2, 2.5, 3.3 | Obtains information by listening and questioning |
Navigate the world of work | 1.3, 1.4, 2.3 | Applies a knowledge of safe dance practices and cultural protocols to learning and performance activities |
Interact with others | 1.1, 2.2, 2.5, 3.2, 3.3, 3.5 | Discusses aspects of performances and dance techniques in a culturally appropriate way with colleagues and teachers Builds rapport with ensemble members |
Get the work done | 1.1, 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5 | Adopts a methodical and disciplined approach to developing dance performance skills Identifies and applies a range of responses to music through dance movements |
Sectors
Performing arts – dance