Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to perform complex contemporary dance technique demonstrating range, depth, precision and artistry across contemporary dance repertoire at a professional level.
This unit applies to dancers who are moving towards professional careers in contexts where complex contemporary dance technique and versatility are required for performing as members of a professional dance company as an ensemble or soloist dancer.
At this level, dancers are constantly refining their technique and perfecting their artistry across complex dance sequences and repertoire, including improvisation, 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. Execute a professional level of artistry and presentation in rehearsals | 1.1 Observe safe dance practice by performing warm-up and warm-down activities in conjunction with dance activities 1.2 Apply a professional level of concentration and expertise to refine extended contemporary dance technique in each section of class work 1.3 Develop complex performance attributes and quality of movement in sequences of extended difficulty 1.4 Show strength, precision and complexity in all aspects of footwork 1.5 Exhibit professionalism and adaptability to incorporate unseen combinations with speed and verve 1.6 Refine techniques for working with a partner 1.7 Demonstrate through ongoing technical strength, diversity and refinement, evidence of advanced self-correction and concentrated response to feedback |
2. Perform at a professional level | 2.1 Undertake preparations appropriate to performance contexts 2.2 Ensure that personal presentation is appropriate to performance contexts 2.3 Apply performance psychology techniques to preparations 2.4 Perform repertoire demonstrating an understanding of nuances and characteristics of choreographic styles and reflecting choreographic intent 2.5 Convey through dance the range of emotions required to execute the dance pieces as intended 2.6 Follow direction from artistic director or choreographers as required 2.7 Contribute to debriefing sessions to evaluate the quality of performances and to discuss ways of improving individual or ensemble technique |
3. Incorporate allied contemporary dance techniques into professional level performances | 3.1 Demonstrate complex performance attributes and quality of movement in sequences based on improvisation, in complex duo sequences and in high velocity acrobatic moves 3.2 Identify when partner needs to leave a balance, or needs to be steadied, and be there to offer support in duo and dance tumbling 3.3 Adapt to a range of choreographic moments by engaging with differences and similarities of shape and dynamic quality 3.4 Apply the flexibility, sense of line and clear positions essential to the form 3.5 Engage with the style and intention of the relevant choreographic form through the application of skills and knowledge of allied contemporary dance techniques |
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 contemporary dance terminology and history into discussions, and practice and performance activities |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
perform contemporary dance sequences before an audience in ways that demonstrate:
expressive skills in line with choreographic intent
ability to respond to complex changes in tempo, time signatures and musical phrasing
high level of dance improvisation skills
skills and speed in directional changes
high level of spatial awareness in group movements
harmony of movement when performing with a partner
develop professional practice
display a consistent level of commitment to developing performance quality and artistry in the given style
use contemporary dance 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 contemporary dance movements and techniques:
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 contemporary dance technique
demonstrate physical and conceptual understanding of the fundamental technical principles in contemporary dance
in relation to contemporary dance, demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of:
choreographic and stylistic nuances
genres, styles and philosophical nature
influential choreographers
the role of acting.
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
appropriate music or accompanists
live performance opportunities.
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 from others to identify strategies to improve own technique |
Oral communication | 2.6, 2.7, 4.2, 4.4 | Obtains information by listening and questioning Listens and interprets directions Discusses ideas and solutions |
Interact with others | 1.6, 1.7, 2.5, 2.7, 4.2, 4.4 | Collaborates with other dancers to ensure that partnered and group sequences flow and respond to choreographic intent Communicates mood and style of dance sequences to audiences |
Get the work done | 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5 | Adopts a methodical, disciplined and positive approach to dance classes, performances and physical conditioning program Works creatively with music and dance Incorporates acting skills into dance performances Develops increased range and sequencing of unique improvised movements Displays high level of competency in each section of class work Responds to different time signatures Executes counterbalance, support, manipulation mechanics and medium-level power lifting Demonstrates skills in grip leverage, thrust and counter-thrust and coordinated timing Performs high level isolation and energy placement techniques Shows alignment and extensions in highly difficult combinations Executes balances, turns and jumps on and off centre in a wide variety of shapes Performs multiple turns in a variety of body shapes Shows skills and speed in directional changes Displays a high level of spatial awareness in group movements Exhibits a high level of coordination of limbs, torso and head |
Sectors
Performing arts - dance