Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to achieve virtuoso technique in contemporary dance, with particular application to solo performances.
This unit applies to dancers who are moving towards professional careers in contexts where virtuoso contemporary dance 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 dance 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. Practise virtuoso technique | 2.1 Practise virtuoso contemporary dance technique across each section of class work 2.2 Demonstrate complex performance attributes and quality of movement in sequences of extended difficulty and speed 2.3 Show strength, precision and complexity in all aspects of footwork 2.4 Execute complex variations of contemporary dance repertoire with accuracy, applying the virtuoso style 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 |
3. Perform advanced solo variations | 3.1 Research and analyse a chosen solo from contemporary dance repertoire 3.2 Execute repertoire with high level technical accuracy and virtuoso interpretation of music and rhythm 3.3 Convey a high level of spatial awareness, including floor patterns and aerial pathways 3.4 Execute solo work with a professional sense of musical individuality 3.5 Present virtuoso style 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 4.4 Incorporate contemporary dance terminology and history into discussions, and practice and performance activities |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
execute technical virtuosity
perform advanced sequences with brilliance, speed and clarity to a professional standard
demonstrate artistry, individual interpretation and expression when performing advanced solo variations from selected repertoire at professional level
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 virtuoso contemporary dance 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
in relation to contemporary dance, demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of:
choreographic and stylistic nuance
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 and reflects on performance to identify ways to develop performance Identifies opportunities to extend professional development |
Reading | 3.1 | Interprets written information about solos to be performed |
Oral communication | 1.3, 2.6, 4.2, 4.4 | Obtains information by listening and questioning |
Navigate the world of work | 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 | 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, 4.4 | Collaborates with others involved in dance classes and performances Communicates mood and style of dance repertoire to audiences |
Get the work done | 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 rehearsing and performing at a professional level Works creatively with music and 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 both parallel and 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 and coordinated timing Responds to different time signatures Performs high level isolation and energy placement techniques Executes balances, turns and jumps on and off centre in a wide variety of shapes Demonstrates a high level of spatial awareness, including floor patterns and aerial pathways Exhibits a high level of coordination of limbs, torso and head Exhibits confidence in creating movement sequences |
Sectors
Performing arts - dance