CUADAN601
Perform dance repertoire at a professional level


Application

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to perform complex dance technique demonstrating range, depth, precision and artistry in traditional ballet and contemporary works at a professional level.

This unit applies to dancers who are moving towards professional careers in contexts where complex dance technique and versatility are required. Employment is with professional companies where dancers perform advanced repertoire from traditional ballets and contemporary works as part of ensemble, duo or soloist roles. They could also be performing in rehearsals and productions of established or original works by staff and guest choreographers.

While some supervision and guidance are provided in practice sessions and rehearsals, dancers are expected to display a high level of motivation and responsibility for themselves and others during practice sessions, rehearsals and live performances.

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. Contribute to the rehearsal process

1.1 Demonstrate an ability to prepare unsupervised for rehearsals

1.2 Display professional work ethic with respect to concentration, focus and physical alertness

1.3 Contribute to the creative process with a high level of initiative, confidence and understanding of the historical and stylistic background to repertoire

1.4 Respond promptly to direction

1.5 Practise and rehearse sequences until performance standard is reached

1.6 Observe safe dance practice by performing warm-up and warm-down activities in conjunction with dance activities

2 Execute a professional level of artistry and presentation

2.1 Refine professional skills by using feedback and choreographer’s or director’s notes to enhance personal and group performance

2.2 Demonstrate a professional level of performance presence and partnering techniques

2.3 Show detailed interpretation of dance sequences as required by the choreographer

2.4 Execute complex variations of repertoire with accuracy and precision

2.5 Exhibit professionalism and adaptability by transferring class work into professional performances

3. Perform specified roles in chosen dance works

3.1 Execute complex variations and repertoire with a high level of technical accuracy

3.2 Convey a high level of spatial awareness appropriate to solo, group and partnering work

3.3 Execute group and partnering work, demonstrating strong cohesion, and solo work demonstrating strong musical individuality

3.4 Present variations and repertoire with a high level of stage presence and confidence across ballet styles and genres

4. Incorporate performance techniques into professional level performances

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 artistry, rhythm and musicality and convey the story and mood of dances

4.5 Convey choreographic intent of dances through confident and precise execution of performance techniques

4.6 Contribute to debriefing sessions to evaluate the quality of performances and to discuss ways of improving individual and ensemble technique

5. Develop professional practice

5.1 Refine professional work ethic and knowledge of dance and staging terminology

5.2 In consultation with teachers and mentors, develop realistic parameters for extending scope of performance practice

5.3 Identify regimes and artistic strategies to refine own performance technique

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

perform a wide range of repertoire at a professional level with individual artistic quality, interpretation and expression

show professional level of consistency from one performance to the next

participate as an integral part of a rehearsal process

display a professional work ethic

transfer classroom skills to performance contexts

develop professional practice

use dance and staging 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:

explain how the following principles relate to performing dance repertoire:

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

explain and demonstrate how the musical elements of time signatures, beat, tempo and syncopation apply to dance technique

describe the philosophical nature and history of chosen dance styles and allied disciplines.


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

5.2, 5.3

Analyses feedback and reflects on performance to identify ways to develop performance

Identifies opportunities to extend professional development

Reading

2.1

Interprets notes and documentation in relation to repertoire

Oral communication

1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 4.6, 5.2

Obtains information by listening and questioning

Discusses ideas and solutions

Navigate the world of work

1.1, 1.2, 1.6, 2.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3

Follows accepted industry practices in relation to safe dance practices and general work ethic

Works independently and collectively within broad parameters, with a strong sense of responsibility for goals, decisions and outcomes

Recognises and responds to protocols for rehearsals and performances

Takes responsibility for own professional development

Interact with others

1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.5, 4.6, 5.2

Collaborates with other dancers to ensure that group performances flow and respond to choreographic intent

Builds rapport in order to establish effective work relationships

Communicates mood and style of dance repertoire to audiences

Get the work done

1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5

Adopts a methodical, disciplined and positive approach to rehearsing and performing at a professional level

Displays high level of competency in dance repertoire

Demonstrates a high level of spatial awareness in group movements

Exhibits a high level of coordination of limbs, torso and head

Demonstrates a professional level of physical accuracy in performance

Shows professional level of consistency from one performance to the next


Sectors

Performing arts – dance