CUADAN204
Perform basic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance technique


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