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