Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to dance sur les pointes at a professional level as part of a duo, in an ensemble or in solo roles. Dancing en pointe requires strength and skill and is a central part of a female ballet dancer’s training and repertoire.
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. Prepare the body for pointe work | 1.1 Prepare feet and pointe shoes for pointe work 1.2 Warm up and warm down the body for pointe using the entire body for support, including the legs, back and abdominal muscles 1.3 Identify and minimise risk factors associated with pointe work 1.4 Seek assistance and advice when injuries from pointe work occur |
2. Perfect pointe technique | 2.1 Demonstrate thorough understanding of pointe technique in each section of dance work 2.2 Perfect technical requirements in pointe work sequences 2.3 Demonstrate complex performance attributes and quality of movement in sequences of extended difficulty sur les pointes 2.4 Execute complex variations of ballet repertoire with accuracy and precision sur les pointes across ballet styles and genres 2.5 Work towards executing advanced enchaînements with precision, speed and clarity 2.6 Demonstrate accurate spatial arrangements, individual artistic quality, and correct musical and rhythmic interpretation en pointe |
3. Review own progress in perfecting pointe work techniques | 3.1 Demonstrate through ongoing technical strength, diversity and refinement, evidence of advanced self-correction and concentrated response to feedback 3.2 Evaluate pointe work and respond appropriately to feedback from others 3.3 Regularly view performances by industry practitioners as a way of sourcing new ideas, identifying trends, maintaining motivation, and improving own technique 3.4 Incorporate ballet terminology and history into discussions, and practice and performance activities |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
perfect pointe technique through practice, feedback and refinement
demonstrate technical ability when executing sequences sur les pointes
add individual artistry and expressive interpretation to the performance of ballet sequences
execute advanced enchaînements with speed and precision
use pointe work 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 pointe work techniques:
balance
control of movement
muscular strength and flexibility
rotation
spatial awareness
successional movement
transference of weight
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
describe:
health and wellbeing issues relevant to classical ballet artists
risk factors in ballet for the body, especially in relation to pointe work
explain the relationship between musical rhythms and pointe work
describe key periods in the history of ballet and pointe and the principles of classical ballet.
Assessment Conditions
Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances must be typical of those experienced in a dance learning environment. The assessment environment must include access to fully equipped dance studios with suitable flooring and appropriate music or accompanists.
Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.
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 | 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 | Analyses feedback and reflects on performance to identify ways to develop performance Identifies opportunities to extend professional development Gains insight about improving own techniques from viewing the performances of others |
Oral communication | 1.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4 | Obtains information by listening and questioning |
Navigate the world of work | 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 | Follows accepted industry practices in relation to safe dance practices and injury-prevention strategies Takes responsibility for own professional development |
Interact with others | 1.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4 | Works collaboratively to develop pointe work techniques to a professional level |
Get the work done | 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6 | Adopts a methodical, disciplined and positive approach to dance classes, injury prevention and evaluation of own skill development Applies advanced pointe work to classical ballet sequences and repertoire Executes complex enchaînements |
Sectors
Performing arts - dance