Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to execute Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance forms and techniques in a culturally and technically appropriate way. It is intended that this unit be delivered by and to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
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.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with some practical experience in traditional Indigenous Australian 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. Dancers should be able to perform traditional or cultural dances to a moderate level, either alone or as an ensemble member.
At this level work is normally supervised, though some autonomy and judgement can be expected within established parameters.
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. Consolidate understanding of traditional Indigenous performing arts | 1.1 Analyse historical and contemporary aspects and roles of performing arts practice for individuals and families in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities 1.2 Identify cultural values and principles in relation to artistic performance in Indigenous Australian communities 1.3 Seek advice from relevant personnel as required regarding principles of customary law and how they affect own dance practice 1.4 Use dance and performance terminology in discussions about the connection between traditional and contemporary cultural performing arts practice |
2. Develop a body of information on the Australian cultural tourism and heritage industry | 2.1 Determine relationships between cultural tourism, cultural heritage and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performing arts activities 2.2 Record, monitor and file information on the Australian cultural tourism industry in simple and accessible ways 2.3 Use opportunities to update industry knowledge and incorporate relevant information into own professional dance practice |
3. Develop Indigenous Australian dance techniques | 3.1 Identify the influence of customs and time on dress in dance activities of different styles of Indigenous Australian dances 3.2 Analyse the relationships in which musical elements, dramatic role and performance techniques form a distinctive character of particular pieces or performances 3.3 Establish a relationship with a performing arts mentor to determine the cultural protocols, purpose, style and content of dance routines 3.4 Develop a mentoring plan in consultation with a mentor or professional dance performer 3.5 Choreograph sequences of body movement activities as simple dance performances in a chosen cultural story or musical piece 3.6 Develop a repertoire of fluid positions, movements and actions in differing patterns and poses in conjunction with mentors 3.7 Seek feedback from others about ways to improve Indigenous Australian dance techniques |
4. Demonstrate technical requirements of Indigenous Australian performance and material | 4.1 Under direction of mentors, use appropriate cultural and aesthetic aspects of Indigenous Australian community in the design of techniques, language and movements for solo and ensemble Indigenous Australian dance sequences 4.2 Perform sequences of dance movements and activities, alone and with others, which appropriately express cultural content and context, and comply cultural, customary law, copyright and intellectual property requirements 4.3 Follow cultural protocols, ethics and traditions when rehearsing and performing |
5. Maintain health and safety during dance performances | 5.1 Take responsibility for own and others’ safety in compliance with health and safety policies during practice sessions and performances 5.2 Implement strategies that ensure environmentally friendly impact of dance performances 5.3 Demonstrate a positive personal work ethic 5.4 Seek opportunities to enhance cultural and technical skills and knowledge 5.5 Seek and apply audience feedback on ways to improve own dance technique |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
safely and cooperatively execute basic dance movements appropriate to Indigenous Australian dance forms
follow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community cultural beliefs and protocols when working with people from different communities
develop a professional relationship with mentor
use dance and performance terminology correctly.
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 how the following express cultural systems:
body painting
costumes
make-up
music
story telling
explain traditions of ownership and protocols relating to created work and dance performance in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures
explain how the following apply to performing arts in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures:
choreographic techniques
commercialisation of cultural material
copyright
cultural heritage
cultural tourism
intellectual property
health and safety
licensing and accreditation schemes
protocols in relation to moral rights
explain how the following principles relate to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance movements and techniques:
extending
folding
relationship with gravity
rotating
shifting weight
spatial awareness
successional movement
use of breath
explain how the following apply in the context of 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
describe key aspects of the history and role of performing arts in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
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
relevant instruments, sets, props, costuming and other equipment
music, stories, and dance ensembles
performance opportunities.
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 | 2.3, 3.4, 3.7, 5.4, 5.5 | Identifies and engages in opportunities to extend professional development Seeks feedback and accepts guidance from relevant people |
Reading | 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.3, 3.1 | Identifies and interprets cultural, tourism and performing arts industry information in context of own performance practice |
Writing | 2.2 | Documents information relevant to own performance practice |
Oral communication | 1.3, 1.4, 3.3, 3.4, 3.6, 3.7, 4.1, 5.5 | Obtains information by listening and questioning |
Navigate the world of work | 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 3.1, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2 | Observes protocols appropriate to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in dance performances Follows procedures to minimise the impact of performance activities on the environment Operates within legal rights and responsibilities when accessing and performing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dances Applies a knowledge of safe dance practices to rehearsals and performances |
Interact with others | 1.3, 1.4, 3.3, 3.4, 3.6, 3.7, 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.5 | Discusses aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance techniques and performances with others Builds rapport with ensemble members |
Get the work done | 2.2, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 | Adopts a methodical, disciplined and positive approach to dance classes, rehearsals and performances Identifies and applies a range of responses to music and rhythms through dance movements Choreographs simple movement sequences Dances with confidence Accesses information from the internet |
Range Statement
This section specifies different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.
Influence must relate to: | cultural knowledge dress or costuming music props sets. |
Sectors
Performing arts – dance