Writers applying the skills and knowledge outlined in this unit would be expected to write both original and non-narrative dance content for a range of purposes. Often they would be working as freelance writers or journalists.
Typical writing briefs could include creating program notes for performances, reviews and critiques of live and recorded dance performances, as well as dance editorials and dance commentary pieces for a range of media.
Not applicable.
1. Prepare to write material | 1.1. In consultation with relevant personnel, confirm type of written material required 1.2. Identify factors that may affect the writing assignment and plan accordingly 1.3. Determine style or tone appropriate to the publication for which written material is being produced 1.4. Discuss plans or preliminary ideas with relevant personnel as required |
2. Research topic | 2.1. Use appropriate information sources to gather background material 2.2. Conduct interviews with people to gather information as required 2.3. Review information gathered to determine the best approach to writing assignments 2.4. Discuss results of research, ideas and proposed approach with relevant personnel as required |
3. Write material | 3.1. Ensure that language and writing style are suited to the target audience and publication 3.2. Ensure that specialised vocabulary is appropriate to the context of brief and subject matter 3.3. Ensure that work is proofed and edited to required standard 3.4. Present a draft for review by relevant personnel 3.5. Adjust work as required and present final draft in the agreed manner and timeframe 3.6. Evaluate writing process, assessing own performance and noting areas for future improvement |
Required skills
communication, teamwork and literacy skills to:
interpret and clarify written or verbal instructions
write content in a style appropriate to target users and audience
communicate information to specific audiences
structure text-based content effectively for target audiences and delivery format
respond positively to constructive feedback
conceptual skills to generate a range of text-based content ideas in response to a brief
self-management and planning skills to:
prioritise work tasks
source information and reference material in a timely fashion
meet deadlines
seek expert assistance when problems arise
technical skills to:
proficiently use word processing tools
check and proofread written content using manual and automated systems.
Required knowledge
industry knowledge, including:
roles and responsibilities of project team members
issues and challenges that arise when writing about dance and live performance
understanding the way readers scan and read written material
writing and communication principles for the relevant medium
writing and presentation techniques for the relevant medium
sound knowledge of grammar and punctuation
media laws sufficient to identify defamation and obscenity and seek expert advice on issues that could lead to legal action
copyright clearance procedures
OHS as it relates to working for periods of time on computers.
well-developed understanding of dance-related issues, including:
dance styles and genres
dance form and performance conventions
repertoire as it relates to relevant dance styles or genres
cultural circumstances of dance performance and consumption
technical processes and demands of choreography or dance performances
empathy with the creative work of performers.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment | |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Evidence of the ability to: apply the principles of writing and communication to meet the requirements of dance writing briefs write content for specific target audiences demonstrate a sound knowledge of grammar, punctuation and writing styles work collaboratively with others work under pressure and meet deadlines. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Assessment must ensure: practical demonstration of skills by writing a range of content within timeframes in an industry context access to: word processing software variety of dance-related information sources. |
Method of assessment | A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge The following examples are appropriate for this unit: direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance evaluation of content written in response to a range of briefs verbal or written questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit case studies and scenarios as a basis for discussion of issues and challenges that arise in the context of writing about dance. Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy) and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties, such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling). |
Guidance information for assessment | Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example: CUFIND401A Provide services on a freelance basis. |
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Relevant personnel may include: | academic supervisors managers advertising agencies artists and performers authors broadcasters choreographers directors editors or other writers graphic designers production companies production managers production personnel producers program or event managers promoters, agents and marketers. |
Types of written material may include: | artist bios dance-related copy for interactive media products newsletters or other print media dance reviews and critiques educational pieces informational pieces items for the marketing or promotion of dance products items for wikis programs notes for performances social and corporate networking. |
Factors may include: | budget complexity of topic confidentiality contractual arrangements copyright clearances deadlines editing process expectations of target audience or readers intellectual property length location number of content items photos or other visual material to accompany written work production schedule research requirements structure. |
Tone may include: | dramatic entertaining formal humorous informal or casual informational. |
Publications may include: | books corporate documents, such as: marketing and promotional materials, including online newsletters reports print and online publications, such as: journals literary magazines newspapers program notes. |
Information sources may include: | dance industry events, such as: community activities competitions and awards conferences conventions festivals functions performances trade fairs electronic or print media, such as: articles industrial relations publications industry publications journals lifestyle and contemporary issues magazines magazines news reviews government publications, including: legislation policy and procedures manuals internet libraries and archives, such as: film graphic sound text video peak copyright organisations personal observations and experience. |
Vocabulary may relate to elements, such as: | artistic judgement dance history dance styles and genres, such as: ballet jazz contemporary ballroom other performance practice in a range of styles and customs recognition and comprehension of dance techniques, including: improvisation partnering spatial dynamics tempi expression specialised knowledge of artists and repertoire technical requirements for a range of dance styles and performance contexts. |
Performing arts - writing
This unit contains employability skills.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.