Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to train in the Italian virtuoso style of ballet that combines French ballet technique with a vigorous athleticism and has particular application to solo performances.
This unit applies to dancers who are moving towards professional careers in contexts where advanced ballet technique is required for performing as members of a dance company as a soloist and in other professional contexts.
At this level, dancers are constantly expanding and perfecting their artistry, technique and repertoire across a number of ballet styles and genres.
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. Excel at a physical conditioning program | 1.1 Meet physical conditioning requirements of professional dance work 1.2 Demonstrate athleticism, stamina, strength, cardiovascular endurance and flexibility 1.3 Minimise risk factors that inhibit the achievement of goals and seek professional assistance when required 1.4 Observe safe dance practice by performing warm-up and warm-down activities in conjunction with dance activities |
2. Refine advanced technique | 2.1 Practise advanced ballet technique across each section of class work 2.2 Demonstrate complex performance attributes and quality of movement in sequences of extended difficulty 2.3 Show strength, precision and complexity in all aspects of footwork, including pointe work as required 2.4 Execute complex variations of ballet repertoire with accuracy 2.5 Exhibit professionalism and adaptability to incorporate unseen combinations 2.6 Demonstrate through ongoing technical strength, diversity and refinement, evidence of advanced self-correction and concentrated response to feedback 2.7 Demonstrate athleticism, muscularity, strength and stamina in gender-specific vocabulary as required |
3. Perform advanced solo variations | 3.1 Research and analyse a chosen solo from a defined classical or neoclassical ballet repertoire 3.2 Execute repertoire with high level technical accuracy, interpreting music and rhythm 3.3 Convey a high level of spatial awareness, including floor and aerial pattern 3.4 Execute solo work with a professional sense of musical individuality 3.5 Perform solo variations with a high level of individual artistry, interpretation, expression and physical control |
4. Develop professional practice | 4.1 Refine professional work ethic 4.2 In consultation with teachers and mentors, develop realistic parameters for extending scope of performance practice 4.3 Identify regimes and artistic strategies to refine own performance technique |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
execute advanced ballet techniques with precision and artistry
execute advanced enchaînements at a professional standard with accuracy, speed and clarity
use physical control throughout solo performances
demonstrate a high level of spatial awareness, including in floor patterns and aerial pathways
exhibit confidence in creating movement sequences
retain and reproduce complex movement sequences
use ballet 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 advanced ballet repertoire:
balance
control of movement
muscular strength and flexibility
rotation
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 ballet technique
describe key points in the history of ballet relevant to chosen repertoire
explain the principles of advanced classical ballet.
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 | 4.2, 4.3 | Analyses feedback and reflects on performance to identify ways to develop performance Identifies opportunities to extend professional development |
Reading | 3.1 | Interprets information about solos to be performed |
Oral communication | 1.3, 2.6, 4.2 | Obtains information by listening and questioning |
Navigate the world of work | 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 | Follows accepted industry practices in relation to safe dance practices and general work ethic Takes responsibility for own professional development |
Interact with others | 1.3, 2.6, 3.5, 4.2 | Works collaboratively with others involved in dance classes and performances Communicates mood and style of dance repertoire to audiences |
Get the work done | 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5 | Adopts a methodical, disciplined and positive approach to dance classes, physical conditioning program and performing at a professional level Works creatively with music and dance Communicates mood, style and grace through dance Displays high level of competency in each section of class work Employs physical control throughout solo performances 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 Demonstrates a high level of spatial awareness Exhibits a high level of coordination of limbs, torso and head Exhibits confidence in creating movement sequences |
Sectors
Performing arts – dance