Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to add range, depth and increasing complexity to ballet technique.
At this level, dancers are challenging themselves with dance pieces, variations and repertoire of increasing technical and physical complexity.
This unit applies to those who are consolidating their career where complex ballet technique is required in commercial or competition settings. Dancers are usually performing as members of an ensemble, but some solo work can also be expected.
While some supervision and guidance are provided in practice sessions and rehearsals, dancers are expected to be self-directed and display a high level of motivation and responsibility for themselves and others.
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 teachers and mentors, set realistic physical conditioning goals aimed at improving own dance technique 1.2 Use a range of techniques to improve stamina, strength and flexibility 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 |
2. Practise ballet technique of increasing difficulty | 2.1 Apply increasingly difficult ballet techniques across each section of class work 2.2 Develop increasingly complex performance attributes 2.3 Show developed strength and complexity in footwork, including pointe work as required 2.4 Execute complex variations of ballet repertoire with accuracy 2.5 Exhibit physical learning and adaptability to incorporate unseen combinations with speed and verve across different teaching methods 2.6 Reveal increasing levels of strength and stamina in gender-specific vocabulary as required |
3. Develop partnering technique for pas de deux | 3.1 Show cooperation with partner, exhibiting rapport and eye contact 3.2 Apply timing and weight centring in accomplishing adage, pirouettes, promenades and lifts 3.3 Execute lifts and counterbalances with surety and skill 3.4 Perform in a partnership that demonstrates strong technique, balance and control 3.5 Apply the flexibility, sense of line and clear positions essential to the form |
4. Present highly difficult variations and repertoire | 4.1 Display variations and repertoire of increased difficulty and technical articulation 4.2 Convey a high level of spatial awareness appropriate to solo and group work 4.3 Execute group work demonstrating strong cohesion, and solo work demonstrating strong musical individuality 4.4 Present variations and repertoire with a high level of stage presence and confidence across ballet styles and genres 4.5 Practise repertoire with increased attention to rhythms and time signatures commonly used in ballet |
5. Maintain expertise in ballet technique | 5.1 Apply professional work ethic to practice and performance activities 5.2 Incorporate injury-prevention techniques into dance and movement activities 5.3 Use feedback from others to identify and develop ways to improve own ballet dance technique and group work 5.4 Regularly view performances by industry practitioners as a way of sourcing new ideas, identifying trends, maintaining motivation, and improving own technique 5.5 Incorporate ballet terminology and history into discussions, and practice and performance activities |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
perform complex combinations of classical ballet technique and pas de deux consistently over time using:
analysis of pointe work technique
classical line
combinations of spatial organisations with pirouettes, balances and jumps of increasing difficulty and dynamic continuity
control of movement
individual artistic qualities
complex enchaînements
muscular strength and flexibility
quality and breadth of movement
use ballet terminology correctly
demonstrate professional work ethic.
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 ballet technique:
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 ballet dance technique.
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:
fully equipped dance studios with suitable flooring
appropriate music or accompanists.
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, 5.3, 5.4 | Seeks the views and opinions of others to develop own understanding Gains insight from previous experience and from viewing the performances of others |
Oral Communication | 1.1, 1.3, 5.5 | Obtains information by listening and questioning Discusses ideas and solutions Builds rapport with partners through verbal and non-verbal means |
Navigate the world of work | 1.4, 1.5, 5.1 | Follows accepted industry practices in relation to safe dance practices, injury-prevention strategies and general work ethic |
Interact with others | 1.1, 1.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 4.2, 4.3, 5.3, 5.5 | Works collaboratively to develop and improve dance techniques Responds creatively and flexibly to partners while dancing together |
Get the work done | 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 5.2 | 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 Communicates mood, style and grace through dance Displays high level of competency in each section of class work Employs physical control throughout performances Maintains correct posture, weight placement and alignment in fully rotated turn-out position Shows alignment and extensions in highly difficult combinations Performs complex movement sequences on both sides of the body Shows skills and speed in directional changes Displays a high level of spatial awareness in group movements Exhibits a high level of coordination of limbs, torso and head Exhibits confidence in creating movement sequences Takes steps to minimise risk of injury through appropriate physical conditioning program |
Sectors
Performing arts - dance