CUADAN405A
Develop expertise in street dance technique

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to add range and depth to street 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.

Application

This unit applies to those who are consolidating their career in contexts where street dancing skills are required. They could be developing technique in preparation 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 sense of responsibility for themselves and others when it comes to applying dance technique in a live performance context.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

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, personal limitations and boundaries into account when undertaking physical conditioning program

1.5. Always perform warm-up and cool-down activities in conjunction with dance activities

1.6. Ensure that appropriate clothing and footwear are used when undertaking exercise regime and practising dance technique

2. Use practice sessions to increase level of expertise in street dance techniques

2.1. Practise combining complex street dance movements and steps

2.2. Invent new movements and routines to create a unique style

2.3. Explore creativity, versatility, individuality and originality in performances

2.4. Apply precision, rhythm and musicality in performances

2.5. Apply coordination, flow and correct timing when performing with other dancers

2.6. Contribute to discussions about ways of improving individual and ensemble technique

3. Maintain expertise

3.1. Continuously practise and refine combinations of complex movements and routines

3.2. Maintain and update knowledge of street dance terminology

3.3. Use feedback from teachers and mentors to identify and develop ways to improve own contemporary dance performance skills

3.4. Regularly view performances by industry practitioners as a way of sourcing new ideas and trends, maintaining motivation, and improving own technique

Required Skills

Required skills

communication skills to:

discuss dance and physical conditioning issues with relevant personnel

respond appropriately to feedback on own skill development

initiative and enterprise skills to:

work creatively with music and dance

communicate the mood or style of dances

improvise short street dance routines

maintain and develop own expertise

identify and apply relevant aspects of the selected dance style’s culture and history in performances

learning skills to:

develop strong street dance techniques through:

practising complex movements and routines

a positive attitude to dancing

develop and implement a personal physical conditioning program

develop a movement memory

listening skills to maintain musical sensitivity, awareness and phrasing in movement sequences

planning and organising skills to plan practice time

self-management skills to:

arrive punctually at classes and practice sessions

dress appropriately

observe dance discipline and follow direction

apply safe dance practices

teamwork skills to work collaboratively with others involved in dance classes.

Required knowledge

well-developed knowledge of:

principles underlying dance movements and techniques, such as:

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

street dance terminology

musical rhythms, including:

time signatures

beat

tempo

syncopation

overview knowledge of:

history of street dance

ways of notating street dance.

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:

consistently execute well-developed street dance technique

execute dance sequences that demonstrate a creative response to music

respond appropriately to constructive feedback on own skills development.

follow safe dance practices.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

appropriate dance performance areas or spaces

relevant resources.

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

verbal or written questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit

case studies and scenarios as a basis for discussion of issues and challenges that arise in the context of performing street dance

evaluation of live or recorded performances

direct observation of candidate in rehearsals and performances.

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:

CUADAN402A Improvise an advanced dance sequence

CUADAN407A Develop expertise in dance performance skills

CUAPRF404A Refine movement skills for performance

CUAPRF503A Prepare for and perform in a competitive environment.


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.

Relevant personnel may include:

teachers

mentors

coaches

medical practitioners

nutrition experts

colleagues

family members

performers.

Risk factors may relate to:

body image and eating disorders

consistency of a physical fitness regime

expectations of others

gender-appropriate performance techniques

gender issues

poor nutrition

insufficient hydration

effect of different ground surfaces, such as:

concrete or hard floor

moving float

podium or raised platform

runway

slippery floor

sloping surface

sticky floor

inappropriate footwear

injury-prevention strategies

own ambition.

Warm-up and cool-down activities may include:

stretching

joint-mobility exercises

flexibility exercises

aerobic activities

anaerobic exercises

coordinated breathing activities

floor work.

Appropriate clothing and footwearmay relate to:

non-restrictive clothing

footwear that:

distributes load

absorbs impact

supports the foot.

Street dance movements and stepsmay include:

backslide

chest pops

clown walk

correct posture and alignment when in motion

crip walk

dancing in time with the music

demonstrating an awareness of personal and general space when travelling and stationary

demonstrating safe dance practices in jumping, falling and faster travelling steps

fare

floating

freezes

gliding

grinding

Harlem shake

improvisation

jacking

jax

locking

non-locomotor techniques, such as:

balance

stillness

power moves: 6-step, 3-step, windmill

scooby do

shuffling

skating

sliding

stomping

strobing

ticking

toprocks, uprocks

twirl

waving.

Performances may be:

live before an audience

in a learning environment.

Terminologymay include:

animation

B Boys

B Girls

battle

boogaloo

break

buck

callouts

clowning

crew

fams

kill offs

tricks.


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.