Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to add range and depth to jazz dance technique.
At this level, dancers are constantly refining their technique and expression to produce performances that convey the mood and style of music through complex dance movements. They could be preparing for performances in commercial or competition settings where they would usually be performing as members of an ensemble, though some solo work could be expected.
While supervision and guidance are provided in practice sessions and rehearsals, dancers are expected to display a high level of motivation and responsibility for themselves and others when it comes to applying dance technique in a live performance context.
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 prevent injuries and 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 Observe safe dance practice by performing 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. Use practice sessions to increase level of expertise in jazz dance techniques | 2.1 Practise a range of exercises in preparation for jazz dance performances 2.2 Practise techniques to produce clean and sharp isocentric and polycentric isolations 2.3 Practise performing technically accurate jazz progressions that respond creatively to choreography 2.4 Choreograph and perform short pieces around a theme 2.5 Use creativity, versatility, individuality and originality when performing exercises and dance routines 2.6 Ensure that flow and interaction with other dancers are smooth and well-timed |
3. Maintain expertise in jazz dance techniques | 3.1 Practise and refine combinations of complex movements and routines 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, maintaining motivation, and improving own technique |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
consistently execute well-developed jazz dance techniques
execute solo and group dance sequences that demonstrate a creative response to music
respond to constructive feedback on own skills development
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
describe the main periods and prominent dancers in the history of jazz
in the context of choreographing short dance routines, explain ways of notating jazz dance and provide examples.
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 Critically analyses own performance |
Reading | 3.2 | Obtains information from written sources about jazz dance history and terminology |
Oral communication | 1.1, 1.3, 3.3 | Obtains information by listening and questioning |
Navigate the world of work | 1.5, 1.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 | Follows accepted industry practices in relation to safe dance practices and injury-prevention strategies Takes responsibility for own professional development |
Interact with others | 1.1, 1.3, 2.6, 3.3 | Works collaboratively to develop and improve dance techniques Uses dance movements to convey meaning to spectators |
Get the work done | 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1 | Adopts a methodical, disciplined and positive approach to physical conditioning program, dance classes and evaluation of own skill development Works creatively with music and dance Dances with strong stage presence and confidence Communicates the mood or style of dances Takes steps to minimise risk of injury through appropriate physical conditioning program |
Sectors
Performing arts – dance