Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to refine and consolidate allied contemporary dance techniques. This often involves responding through improvisation to task-based work, performing high velocity acrobatic moves and displaying skilful partnering techniques.
This unit applies to dancers who are moving towards professional careers in contexts where complex contemporary skill-based dance technique and versatility are required for performing as members of a professional contemporary dance company in Australia or internationally.
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. Rehearse a range of advanced allied contemporary dance techniques | 1.1 Observe safe dance practice when extending the range of techniques required to perform duo work safely at a professional level 1.2 Incorporate understanding of the expressive, musical and formal aspects of partnering into performances 1.3 Develop rapport with partner during rehearsals and seamlessly adjust to a change of partner as required 1.4 Exhibit professionalism and adaptability to incorporate unseen combinations across different teaching methods 1.5 Incorporate understanding of nuances and characteristics of choreographic styles when performing group and solo work from contemporary dance repertoire 1.6 In dance tumbling, display a strong and acrobatic stance both in static and inverted positions 1.7 Work on perfecting a wide range of dance tumbling techniques |
2. Execute complex contemporary dance repertoire in practice sessions | 2.1 Practise repertoire with increased attention to rhythms and time signatures commonly used in contemporary dance 2.2 Convey a high level of spatial awareness appropriate to solo and group work 2.3 Execute group work with a professional sense of cohesion, and solo work demonstrating strong musical individuality 2.4 Present variations and repertoire with a high level of stage presence and confidence across contemporary dance styles 2.5 Demonstrate through ongoing refinement of technique, evidence of advanced self-correction and concentrated response to feedback |
3. Extend improvisation techniques | 3.1 Practise improvisation tasks of increasing complexity and diversity 3.2 Apply an ever-expanding movement vocabulary and spontaneity in response to various stimuli 3.3 Achieve a mature performance quality through improvised solos and scored group work |
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:
demonstrate the following advanced partnering skills at a professional level:
travelling steps
complex lifts and counterbalances
execute improvised sequences in response to specific stimuli in solo, duet and group form
synchronise movement in a duo and group situation
safely execute advanced dance tumbling skills with speed and confidence
work effectively and with confidence with a partner
develop professional practice.
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 allied contemporary dance techniques:
extending
folding
giving and taking weight
movement efficiency
placement and coordination of body parts
relationship with gravity
rotating
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 how an extended range of improvisation skills can extend choreographic possibilities
demonstrate understanding of the fundamental technical principles of allied contemporary dance techniques
explain and demonstrate how time signatures, beat, tempo and syncopation apply to contemporary dance technique
in the context of extending allied contemporary dance techniques, demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of:
advanced dance practices required to participate in the research, investigation and development of a choreographic work
contemporary dance repertoire and performance
mechanics of partnering
partnering and improvisation techniques relevant to contemporary dance
principles of professional work ethic
risk factors in partnering techniques and high level acrobatic work
safe dance practice
ways in which improvised partnering can contribute to the development of new material for choreography.
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, 2.5, 4.2 | Obtains information by listening and questioning Builds rapport with partners through verbal and non-verbal means |
Navigate the world of work | 1.1, 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 | 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 3.3, 4.2 | Works collaboratively on developing and improving allied contemporary dance techniques Determines the needs of partner and others and adapts appropriately |
Get the work done | 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 | Adopts a methodical, disciplined and positive approach to dance classes and rehearsals Works creatively with music and dance Displays high level of technical skills in solo, ensemble and partnership situations Employs physical control throughout execution of sequences Demonstrates timing and weight centring techniques with partner, applying them to lifts and counterbalances Demonstrates a high level of spatial awareness in partnering Emulates the style and intention of duo-work repertoire and choreography through partnering allied technique Undertakes physical risk with awareness of safe dance practices |
Sectors
Performing arts - dance