CUADAN608A - Extend contemporary dance performance skills to a professional level
Assessor Resource
CUADAN608A Extend contemporary dance performance skills to a professional level
Assessment tool
Version 1.0 Issue Date: May 2024
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 sense of responsibility for themselves and others during practice sessions, rehearsals and live performances.
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.
You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Evidence Required
List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.
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:
execute physical and conceptual understanding of the fundamental technical principles in contemporary dance
perform contemporary dance sequences before an audience in ways that demonstrate:
expressive skills in line with choreographic intent
an ability to respond to complex changes in tempo, time signatures and musical phrasing
a high level of dance improvisational skills
facility and speed in directional changes
a 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.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
fully equipped dance studios
live performance opportunities
appropriate music or accompanists.
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
video recordings of performances in which the candidate is dancing
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 extending contemporary dance technique to a professional level
direct observation of candidate in performances.
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:
CUADAN601A Perform dance repertoire at a professional level
CUADAN607A Extend contemporary dance technique to a professional level
CUADAN610A Extend allied contemporary dance techniques at a professional level
CUAIND601A Work professionally in the creative arts industry
CUAOHS602A Develop techniques for maintaining resilience in a competitive environment.
Submission Requirements
List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here
Assessment task 1: [title] Due date:
(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)
Assessment Tasks
Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.
Required skills
communication skills to:
work collaboratively as part of an ensemble
respond appropriately to feedback on own skill development and performance
consult with peers and mentors, including interpersonal skills relating to listening, questioning, gaining feedback and giving information
initiative and enterprise skills to:
work creatively with music and dance
adapt appropriately to cultural differences in dance
dance with artistry and assurance
communicate mood, style and grace through dance
develop increased range and sequencing of individually-unique improvised movements
implement a personal physical conditioning program
extend improvisational responses to a wide range of stimuli for performance and choreographic development
planning and organising skills to plan practice time
self-management skills to:
arrive punctually at classes, rehearsals and performances
dress appropriately
observe dance discipline and follow direction
apply safe dance practices and identify risk factors
demonstrate professional work ethic
show a consistent level of commitment
maintain spatial discretion between self and others when moving
teamwork skills to work collaboratively with others involved in dance classes and performances
technical dance skills to:
execute high level of competency in each section of class work
respond to different time signatures
execute counterbalance, support, manipulation mechanics and medium power lifting
demonstrate facility in grip leverage, thrust and counter-thrust and coordinated timing
perform high level isolation and energy placement techniques
retain and reproduce complex movement sequences
show alignment and extensions in combinations of a high level of difficulty
execute balances, turns and jumps on and off centre in a wide variety of shapes
perform multiple turns in a variety of body shapes
show facility and speed in directional changes
develop a high level of spatial awareness in group movements, including floor patterns and aerial pathways
exhibit a high level and range of coordination of limbs, torso and head
observe and interpret the physical body.
Required knowledge
choreographic and stylistic nuance in relation to contemporary dance
genres, styles and philosophical nature of contemporary dance
influential choreographers in contemporary dance
relationship between acting and contemporary dance
correct contemporary dance terminology
roles or hierarchy in professional situations, such as:
auditions
rehearsals
performances
principles underlying dance movements and techniques, such as:
movement efficiency
relationship with gravity
spatial awareness
successional movement
use of breath
folding
extending
rotating
shifting weight
anatomical and alignment principles, including:
skeletal structure
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
risk factors in dance for the physical body
stage geography and directions
musical rhythms, including:
time signatures
beat
tempo
syncopation.
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.
Warm-up and cool-down may include:
stretching
joint-mobility exercises
flexibility exercises
aerobic activities
anaerobic exercises
coordinated breathing activities
floor work.
Contemporary dance technique may include:
Cunningham
Graham
release technique
upper and lower body poses, phrases and movements
correct breathing techniques
balanced positions, including:
elevation of steps
body positions
transitions while in motion and while stationary
standing work and travel combinations
jump work
variations in timing and styles of movement
expressing a range of emotions through the language of dance
centre control
spotting employment of strength and agility
employing visualisation techniques
employing strength and agility
demonstrating an awareness of personal and general space when travelling and stationary
using arm lines appropriately and extensively
multi-turning exercises
clean, sharp isocentric and polycentric isolations
correct posture and alignment when in motion
demonstrating safe dance practices in jumping and faster travelling steps
footwork, arm lines and head movements in combination to express rhythm
performing complex turns while maintaining good technique
moving against gravity with confidence and knowledge.
Sections of class work include:
warm up
floor work
centre practice
turns
travelling sequences
sequences with altered spatial organisations, combining all aspects of embodiment and temporal structures
jumps
cool down.
Performance attributes may include:
musicality with attention to nuances of interpretation
movement dynamics
strong sense of individuality and 'presence' in the execution of sequences
sensibility in sequences of increasing difficulty
alternative musical time signatures and phrasing as the structural basis of the exercises
different expressive qualities applied to movement sequences
reliance on individual interpretation
inclusion of repertoire in class work.
Footwork may include:
precision in completing multiple turns
sequences that demonstrate a well-developed capacity to transfer weight in all pathway directions
enchaînements with style and confidence.
Physical learning and adaptability may include:
set exercises or sequences
unseen exercises or sequences
improvised sequences
sequences from a range of contemporary dance styles
execution of extended sequences to right and left sides without prompting
self-correction.
Techniques may include:
weight exchanges
falls, rolls and balances with or away from partners
set sequences
improvised weight exchanges
timing.
Preparations may include:
familiarisation with performance environment, including:
space
location
size
audience
preparation of space to ensure safety of self and others
mental preparation
immediate physical preparation
rehearsal appropriate to audience
awareness of time lines leading up to and immediately before performance
props
costumes or clothing
make-up
equipment
appropriate footwear
scores
sheet music
tapes
competitions and auditions:
rules
judging criteria, including:
general appearance
costumes
technique
execution
showmanship
entertainment value (the ‘x’ factor)
level of difficulty
originality and creativity
choreography
synchronisation
versatility.
Performance contexts may include:
professional production
solo
ensemble
corps de ballet
audition
competition.
Personal presentation may include:
costumes
accessories
make-up
hair
posture
way of moving.
Performance psychology techniques may include:
visualisations
affirmations
relaxation techniques
mental rehearsal
maintaining a work-life balance.
Emotions may include:
love
loneliness
depression
excitement
diffidence
anger
sadness
fear
aggression
joy
compassion.
Performance attributes may include:
strength, flexibility, coordination and cardiovascular endurance
detailed musicality with attention to nuances of interpretation
movement qualities to movement sequences
strong sense of individuality and 'presence' in the execution of sequences
sensibility in sequences of increasing difficulty
alternative and structurally changing musical time signatures and phrasing for extended sequences
different expressive qualities applied to movement sequences
extensive and changing expressive qualities applied to movement sequences
assured artistic interpretations of sequences and variations.
Professional work ethic may refer to:
attentive behaviour in creative practice
awareness of:
substance abuse
addictive behaviours
expectations of others
eating disorders
effective management of personal finances
balanced diet
energy levels and personal limitations
stage and theatre etiquette
developing strategies to:
cope with performance anxiety
maintain motivation
effective personal hygiene habits, such as:
clean and short nails
clean and tied-up hair
clean hands
ongoing dedication to a physical conditioning exercise program
maintaining concentration, focus and physical alertness in all performance activities
maintaining costumes and other apparel
maintaining a work-life balance
punctuality and reliability
working creatively with individual differences.
Extending scope of performance practice may include:
working effectively with tutor or coach
participating in professional development and other learning opportunities
undertaking training courses
practising systemically
participating in relevant groups or associations
experimenting with own performance
communicating with peers
being involved in a range of relevant performance activities
viewing and reviewing relevant performance events and activities.
Regimes and artistic strategies may include:
lectures
seminars
conferences
symposiums
master classes
professional organisations
practical workshops
performance rehearsals
individual training.
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.
Observation Checklist
Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice
Yes
No
Comments/feedback
Always perform warm-up and cool-down activities in conjunction with dance activities
Apply a professional level of concentration, facility and expertise to refine extended contemporary dance technique in each section of class work
Develop complex performance attributesand quality of movement in sequences of extended difficulty
Show strength, precision and complexity in all aspects of footwork
Exhibit a professional level of physical learning and adaptabilityto incorporate unseen combinations with speed and verve
Refine techniques for working with a partner
Demonstrate through ongoing technical strength, diversity and refinement, evidence of advanced self-correction and concentrated response to feedback
Undertake preparations appropriate to performance contexts
Ensure that personal presentation is appropriate to performance contexts
Apply performance psychology techniques to preparations
Perform repertoire demonstrating an understanding of nuances and characteristics of choreographic styles
Convey, through dance, the range of human emotions required to execute the dance pieces as intended
Inject performances with a sense of light and shade in line with choreographic intent
Follow direction from artistic director or choreographers as required
Contribute to debriefing sessions to evaluate the quality of performances and to discuss ways of improving individual or ensemble technique
Demonstrate complex performance attributesand quality of movement in sequences based on improvisation, in complex duo sequences and in high velocity acrobatic moves.
Sense when partner needs to leave a balance, or needs to be steadied, and be there to offer support in duo and dance tumbling
Adapt to a range of choreographic moments by engaging with differences and similarities of shape and dynamic quality.
Apply the flexibility, sense of line and clear positions essential to the form
Engage with the style and intention of the relevant choreographic form through the application of skills and knowledge of allied contemporary dance techniques
Develop and refine professional work ethic
Develop realistic parameters as a basis for extending scope of performance practice
Identify regimes and artistic strategies that will refine own performance technique
Forms
Assessment Cover Sheet
CUADAN608A - Extend contemporary dance performance skills to a professional level
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Assessment Record Sheet
CUADAN608A - Extend contemporary dance performance skills to a professional level
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Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent
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Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent