CUADAN604
Extend ballet performance skills to a professional level


Application

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to show range, depth, precision and complexity across ballet technique and classical and contemporary repertoire at a professional level.

This unit applies to dancers who are moving towards professional careers in contexts where complex 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 across complex dance sequences and repertoire, including pas de deux repertoire and solo and group work.

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 ongoing 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. Use practice sessions to increase level of artistry and presentation

2.1 Apply increasingly difficult ballet techniques across each section of class work

2.2 Emulate the style and intention of pas de deux repertoire through partnering techniques

2.3 Execute group work with a professional sense of cohesion, and solo work demonstrating strong musical individuality

2.4 Demonstrate complex performance attributes and quality of movement in sequences of extended difficulty

2.5 Show strength, precision and complexity in all aspects of footwork, including pointe work as required

2.6 Practise executing complex variations and repertoire with a high level of technical accuracy

2.7 Demonstrate through ongoing technical strength, diversity and refinement, evidence of advanced self-correction and concentrated response to feedback

2.8 Convey a high level of spatial awareness appropriate to solo and group work

3. Perform at a professional level

3.1 Undertake preparations appropriate to performance contexts

3.2 Ensure that personal presentation is appropriate to performance contexts

3.3 Apply performance psychology techniques to preparations

3.4 Rehearse performances until perfected

3.5 Maintain focus to produce performances that show artistry, rhythm and musicality and convey the story and mood of the dance

3.6 Convey choreographic intent of dances through confident and precise execution of ballet dance techniques

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

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

4.4 Incorporate ballet terminology and history into discussions, and practice and performance activities

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

use physical control throughout performances, including pas de deux

demonstrate through the execution of sequences the following fundamental dance skills:

high level of coordination of limbs, torso and head

high level of spatial awareness in group movements

alignment and extensions in highly difficult combinations

skills and speed in directional changes

reproduction of complex movement sequences on both sides of the body

develop professional practice

use ballet and stage 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 physical movements and ballet technique:

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 ballet technique

demonstrate understanding of the fundamental technical principles in classical ballet

demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the history and philosophical nature of 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

Oral communication

1.3, 2.7, 3.7, 4.2, 4.4

Obtains information by listening and questioning

Discusses ideas and solutions

Navigate the world of work

1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4

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 rehearsal and performance protocols

Takes responsibility for own professional development

Interact with others

1.3, 2.2, 2.3, 2.7, 2.8, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 4.2, 4.4

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, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.4

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

Responds to different time signatures

Displays high level of competency in each section of class work

Employs physical control throughout solo, partnered and group 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