Application
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with little or no practical experience in traditional dance apply the skills and knowledge outlined in this unit. They 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 close supervision of experienced Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancers and cultural mentors.
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Develop an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance as an art form | 1.1. Clarify the significance of dance performances from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective 1.2. Discuss the intention and key aspects of performances with relevant personnel 1.3. Follow relevant cultural protocols 1.4. Recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance is composed of a variety and number of influences |
2. Develop basic dance performance skills | 2.1. Apply basic body design and traditional costumes for performance 2.2. Under the guidance of mentors or teachers, develop a range of basic dance skills 2.3. Apply safe dance practices at all times to prevent injury to self and others 2.4. Explore natural 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 a variety of discrete movements in ensemble or individually 3.3. Observe direction from relevant personnel 3.4. Observe and follow dictates of music or rhythm 3.5. Synchronise movements with ensemble where required |
Required Skills
Required skills
communication skills to:
discuss dance issues with colleagues in a culturally appropriate way
respond appropriately to feedback on own skill development and performance
initiative and enterprise skills to apply techniques of music to movement in dance forms
learning skills to develop and practise basic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance techniques
planning and organising skills to:
prepare for performances
plan practice time
self-management skills to:
observe cultural protocols
observe dance discipline and follow direction
apply safe dance practices
teamwork skills to work collaboratively with others involved in dance classes and performances.
Required knowledge
well-developed knowledge of:
principles underlying dance movements and techniques, including:
relationship with gravity
spatial awareness
successional movement
use of breath
folding
extending
rotating
shifting weight
anatomical foundations, including:
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
importance of healthy food choices in relation to wellbeing and injury prevention, including five food groups and recommended daily amounts
body and face painting techniques
language and terminology associated with the dance, movement and song being performed
ways to assemble appropriate costuming
overview knowledge of:
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.
Evidence Required
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: reproduce Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance exercises and sequences, within personal capabilities convey the basic spirituality of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance steps and movements display fluency of movement apply the basic concepts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander dance to own performances. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Assessment may take place on the job, off the job (for example in communities and training organisations) or a combination of on and off the job. This unit requires 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. Trainers and assessors in this unit should be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people validated by the Community Advisory Board set up to oversee implementation of this training. They must ensure that the cultural and intellectual property rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are protected. |
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 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 analysis of dancer’s ability to convey dance’s cultural meaning direct observation of dance performance. 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: CUADAN201A Develop basic dance techniques CUADAN202A Incorporate artistic expression into basic dance performances CUAPRF201A Prepare self for performances. |
Range Statement
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.
Aspects | audience characteristics costume requirements length of performances make-up number of performances. |
Relevant personnel | choreographers community members elders manager mentors performers supervisors. |
Protocols may include: | rules of behaviour governing communication, access to and use of cultural information and practices that form the heritage of the diverse range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies full set of protocols of a particular community or cultural grouping, which is likely to be unique, such as: activities open only to initiated persons gender-specific activities how to approach certain persons obtaining information and materials permission for activities prohibitions on activities or communication who to approach for a particular reason. |
Costumes may include: | headbands mukmuk waistbands zazi. |
Basic dance skills | body alignment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance exercises and sequences incorporating air work, such as rolls exterior dance spaces floor work, such as: stretches abdominal strengthening improvisation locomotor movements, such as: walking leaping sliding non-locomotor movements, such as: twisting turning stretching swaying bending maintaining rhythm and tempo working at differing tempos focusing eyes and mind while performing working on centre and off centre. |
Safe dance practices | understanding the body’s capabilities and limitations, including: alignment flexibility (mobility) strength (stability) cardiorespiratory endurance muscular endurance 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 correct execution of dance steps appropriate clothing and footwear nutrition and diet. |
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander instruments | body design and ornamentation clap sticks didgeridoo kangaroo skin pillows possum drums, if available pumpil traditional dress wear. |
Sectors
Performing arts - dance
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Licensing Information
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.