Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply complex ballet techniques when performing classical ballet repertoire as members of the corps de ballet in dance companies. Corps dancers must be adept at blending pantomime with technique and moving in unison to ensure background support to soloists and lead dancers.
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, ballet technique 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 Meet 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. Perfect own ballet technique | 2.1 Apply complex ballet techniques across each section of class work 2.2 Display confidence across performance attributes 2.3 Show developed strength and complexity in footwork, including pointe work as required 2.4 Execute classical ballet repertoire with accuracy 2.5 Exhibit physical learning and adaptability to incorporate unseen combinations with speed and verve across different teaching methods |
3. Merge technique in corps of dancers | 3.1 Orient self in relation to other dancers, particularly when holding and moving from one geometric pattern to another 3.2 Practise classical ballet phrases and repertoire side by side with other dancers, comparing and synchronising group movements 3.3 Apply acting and pantomime skills through movement, gesture and emotion to provide added fullness to scenes 3.4 Execute group work demonstrating strong cohesion, flow and movement in unison, giving the appearance of moving as one 3.5 Convey a high level of spatial awareness and respond to visual cues from other dancers in performing complex patterns 3.6 Present variations and repertoire with a high level of stage presence and confidence across ballet styles and genres |
4. Perform corps de ballet dances from the classical ballet repertoire | 4.1 Undertake preparations appropriate to performance contexts 4.2 Ensure that personal presentation is appropriate to performance contexts 4.3 Apply performance psychology techniques to preparations 4.4 Maintain focus to produce performances that show correct musical and rhythmic interpretation 4.5 Convey appropriate artistic quality, interpretation and expression through confident and precise execution of ballet dance techniques 4.6 Demonstrate complex spatial arrangements 4.7 Contribute to debriefing sessions to evaluate the quality of performances and to discuss ways of improving individual and ensemble technique |
5. Maintain expertise in corps de ballet techniques | 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 repertoire consistently over time
perform in unison as a member of the corps, working effectively together with confidence
apply acting techniques and pantomime to express individual artistic quality and interpretation
prepare mentally and physically for professional performances
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:
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 performance psychology techniques
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 | 5.3, 5.4 | Analyses feedback and reflects on performance Gains insight from previous experience and from viewing the performances of others |
Oral communication | 1.3, 4.7, 5.5 | Obtains information by listening and questioning Discusses ideas and solutions |
Navigate the world of work | 1.4, 1.5, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4 | Follows accepted industry practices in relation to safe dance practices, injury-prevention strategies and general work ethic Takes responsibility for own professional development |
Interact with others | 1.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.7, 5.3, 5.5 | Works collaboratively to develop and improve dance techniques Responds creatively and flexibly to partners while dancing together Communicates mood and style of dance to audiences |
Get the work done | 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 5.1, 5.2 | Adopts a methodical, disciplined and positive approach to physical conditioning program, dance classes, performances and evaluation of own skill development Works creatively with music and dance Responds to different time signatures Displays high level of competency in each section of class work 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