Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop a high level of expertise in cultural dance technique or in physical disciplines that use advanced movement skills.
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.
This unit applies to those who are consolidating their career where cultural dancing skills are required, for example performing character dances in ballets. Performances could be in commercial or competition settings and dancers would usually be performing as members of an ensemble, though some solo work could be expected.
The skills in this unit can also be applied in physical disciplines such as martial arts or fencing where movements are closely allied to dance.
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 cultural dance techniques of increasing difficulty | 2.1 In practice sessions apply increasingly difficult techniques relevant to cultural dance style or physical discipline 2.2 Develop increasingly complex performance attributes 2.3 Practise articulating the philosophical principles of chosen dance style or discipline 2.4 Refine ways to apply alternative forms of physical coordination in exercises and routines 2.5 Practise achieving strong harmony of movement in dance sequences with a partner 2.6 Build strength and stability in technique by applying a knowledge of anatomical alignment principles in exercises and routines 2.7 Practise improving accuracy in spatial arrangements 2.8 Apply precision, rhythm and musicality in dance sequences |
3. Maintain expertise in cultural dance technique | 3.1 Apply professional work ethic to practice and performance activities 3.2 Incorporate injury-prevention techniques into dance and movement activities 3.3 Maintain and update knowledge of dance history and terminology 3.4 Use feedback from others to identify and develop ways to improve own cultural dance technique 3.5 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:
perform two complex dance or movement sequences that demonstrate:
confident performance skills
control of movement
interpretative and expressive skills
muscular strength and flexibility
quality and breadth of movement
strong and precise technique in the chosen cultural dance style or physical discipline
understanding of the discipline’s particular stylistic qualities
respond to constructive feedback on own performance
use terminology associated with chosen cultural dance style or physical discipline 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 cultural dance techniques:
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
explain and demonstrate how the musical elements of time signatures, beat, tempo and syncopation apply to cultural dance technique
describe:
history and cultural context in which chosen dance style or physical discipline is situated
philosophical principles of chosen dance style or physical discipline.
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, 3.4, 3.5 | 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 |
Reading | 3.3 | Reviews a range of texts to update knowledge of dance terminology |
Oral communication | 1.1, 1.3, 3.3, 3.4 | Obtains information by listening and questioning Discusses dance terminology with others, seeking information and clarifying meaning of terms |
Navigate the world of work | 1.4, 1.5, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5 | 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, 2.5, 3.4 | Works collaboratively to develop and improve dance techniques |
Get the work done | 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 3.1, 3.2 | 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 movements Takes steps to minimise risk of injury through appropriate physical conditioning program |
Sectors
Performing arts – dance