Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to add range, depth and increasing complexity to contemporary dance technique.
At this level, dancers are challenging themselves with dance pieces and repertoire of increasing technical and physical complexity.
This unit applies to those who are consolidating their career where complex contemporary dance 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 Perform warm-up and warm-down activities in conjunction with dance activities |
2. Practise contemporary dance technique of increasing difficulty | 2.1 Apply a high level of concentration and expertise to increasingly difficult contemporary dance technique in each section of class work 2.2 Develop increasingly complex performance attributes 2.3 Apply principles of alignment with power, flexibility, coordination and cardiovascular endurance throughout classes 2.4 Show developed strength and complexity in footwork 2.5 Apply timing and weight centring when working with a partner |
3. Develop physical learning and adaptability skills | 3.1 Perform new and complex movement sequences that demand different spatial orientations and changes in speed 3.2 Incorporate choreographic skills into relevant sections of class work 3.3 Take account of individual attributes and expectations of the profession when reviewing personal goals 3.4 Refine improvisation skills in response to various stimuli through an ever-expanding movement vocabulary |
4. Execute highly difficult sequences | 4.1 Practise repertoire with increased attention to rhythms and time signatures commonly used in contemporary dance 4.2 Execute group work demonstrating strong cohesion 4.3 Execute extended sequences to right and left sides without prompting 4.4 Incorporate unseen combinations with speed and verve 4.5 Perform with a clear sense of personal style while demonstrating the stylistic differences in a range of contemporary styles and approaches 4.6 Accomplish solo work with developing musical individuality 4.7 Present sequences with a high level of stage presence and confidence across contemporary dance styles |
5. Maintain expertise in contemporary dance 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 contemporary 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 contemporary dance terminology, culture and history into discussions, and practice and performance activities |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
perform complex combinations of contemporary dance technique consistently over time using:
muscular strength and flexibility
control of movement
quality and breadth of movement
individual artistic qualities
torso contractions and releases
triplets and layouts
complex enchaînements
combinations of spatial organisations with turns, balances and jumps of increasing difficulty and dynamic continuity
demonstrate a high level of concentration and expertise in each section of class work
establish clear personal goals and engage in self-assessment processes that indicate an informed level of critical analysis of technique
use contemporary 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:
describe:
genres, styles and philosophical nature of contemporary dance
contribution of influential choreographers
relationship between acting and contemporary dance
roles and hierarchy in auditions, rehearsals and performances
explain how the following principles relate to physical movements and contemporary 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 contemporary 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, 3.3, 5.3, 5.4 | Seeks the views and opinions of others to develop own understanding Analyses feedback, reviews personal goals and reflects on learning and performance 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 |
Navigate the world of work | 1.4, 1.5, 2.2, 2.5, 3.3, 3.4, 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 ongoing professional and career development |
Interact with others | 1.1, 1.3, 2.5, 4.2, 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, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 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 Develops new material for choreography Displays high level of competency in each section of class work Responds to different time signatures Executes counterbalance, support, manipulation mechanics and medium-level power lifting Demonstrates skills in grip leverage, thrust and counter-thrust and coordinated timing Performs isolation and energy placement techniques 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 Takes steps to minimise risk of injury through appropriate physical conditioning program |
Sectors
Performing arts – dance