CUADAN305
Increase depth of jazz dance technique


Application

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to consolidate basic jazz dance technique to achieve a greater depth of expression in performances.

This unit applies to dancers who are pursuing a career where jazz dancing skills are required. They could be preparing for performances in commercial or community settings where they would usually be performing as members of an ensemble.

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. Maintain a physical conditioning program

1.1 In consultation with relevant personnel, identify a range of techniques to improve stamina, strength and flexibility

1.2 Set realistic physical conditioning goals aimed at improving own dance technique

1.3 Identify risk factors that may inhibit the achievement of goals and seek professional advice as required

1.4 Take fatigue and personal limitations into account when undertaking physical conditioning program

1.5 Perform warm-up and warm-down activities in conjunction with dance activities

1.6 Ensure that clothing and footwear are appropriate for exercise regime and practising dance technique

2. Build on basic jazz dance technique

2.1 Practise a range of exercises in preparation for jazz dance performances

2.2 Choreograph and perform basic jazz dance routines in a learning environment

2.3 Practise controlling movement from turns, jumps, kicks and splits

2.4 Perform jazz dance techniques with increasing expertise, in a learning environment

2.5 Incorporate musicality, rhythm and correct timing into performances

2.6 Coordinate position and movement between self and other dancers

3. Maintain expertise in jazz dance techniques

3.1 Undertake regular practise of basic movements

3.2 Maintain and update knowledge of jazz dance history and terminology

3.3 Use feedback from others to identify and develop ways to improve own jazz dance performance skills

3.4 Regularly view performances by industry practitioners as a way of sourcing new ideas, identifying trends, and maintaining motivation

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

improve jazz dance technique over a six to twelve-month period

perform a range of basic jazz dance techniques in a learning environment

respond to constructive feedback on own performance

follow safe dance practices

use jazz dance 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:

explain how the following principles relate to physical movements and jazz dance techniques:

relationship with gravity

spatial awareness

successional movement

use of breath

folding

extending

rotating

shifting weight

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

explain and demonstrate how the musical elements of time signatures, beat, tempo and syncopation apply to jazz dance technique

describe key aspects of and prominent dancers in the history of jazz dance

in the context of choreographing dance routines, describe ways of notating jazz dance.


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 with suitable flooring.

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, 3.3, 3.4

Seeks the views and opinions of others to develop own understanding

Observes industry practitioners, sources new ideas and identifies trends, and applies to own techniques

Reading

2.2, 3.2

Interprets a simple combination of jazz dance steps in written form

Obtains information from written sources about jazz dance history and terminology

Oral communication

1.1, 1.3, 3.2, 3.3

Obtains information by listening and questioning

Navigate the world of work

1.5, 1.6, 3.2

Follows accepted industry practices in relation to safe dance practices

Develops and maintains knowledge relevant to role

Interact with others

1.1, 1.3, 2.6, 3.2, 3.3

Discusses dance technique and physical conditioning issues with colleagues and teachers

Builds rapport with fellow dancers

Get the work done

1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.4

Understands own physical limitations and applies to planning and implementation of physical conditioning program

Adopts a methodical, disciplined and positive approach to dance classes

Dances with strong stage presence and confidence

Uses imagination to choreograph simple jazz routines

Identifies and applies a range of responses to music and rhythm through dance movements

Recognises opportunities to develop and apply new approaches to choreographing and performing jazz routines


Sectors

Performing arts – dance