This unit applies to dancers 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 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 achieve virtuoso technique in contemporary dance, with particular application to solo performances.
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:
technical virtuosity
advanced sequences executed with brilliance, speed and clarity to a professional standard
personal presentation and artistry through the refinement of individual artistic qualities and personality, including interpretation and expression in solo performances
effective solo performance from selected repertoire at professional level.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
fully equipped dance studios
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:
observation of practice or performance through full practical demonstration
verbal or written questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit
video recordings of performances or practice sessions
case studies and scenarios as a basis for discussing components of contemporary dance technique.
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
CUADAN608A Extend contemporary dance performance skills to a professional level
CUADAN610A Extend allied contemporary dance techniques at a professional level
CUAIND601A Work professionally in the creative arts industry.
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:
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
self-management skills to demonstrate professional work ethic
technical dance skills to:
execute high level of competency in each section of class work, including technical requirements, such as:
transference of weight
placement and coordination of body parts
strength and stability
posture
balance
rotation
employ physical control throughout solo performances
maintain correct posture, weight placement and alignment in both parallel and fully rotated turn-out position
retain and reproduce complex movement sequences
show alignment and extensions in combinations of a high level of difficulty
reproduce complex movement sequences on both sides of the body
show facility and speed in directional changes
respond to different time signatures
demonstrate facility in 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
demonstrate a high level of spatial awareness, including floor patterns and aerial pathways
exhibit a high level and range of coordination of limbs, torso and head
exhibit confidence in creating movement sequences
show a consistent level of commitment.
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
virtuoso technique as it applies to each section of dance work, such as:
warm up
stretching
floor work
centre practice
falls
turns
jumps
travelling
cool down
principles underlying dance movements and virtuoso techniques, such as:
relationship with gravity
spatial awareness
successional movement
use of breath
folding
extending
rotating
shifting weight
anatomical foundations, including:
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 contemporary dance for the physical body
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.
Risk factors may relate to:
consistency of a physical fitness regime
own ambition
expectations of others
injury-prevention strategies
gender issues
body image and eating disorders
insufficient hydration
poor nutrition
incorrectly fitting footwear
gender-appropriate performance techniques.
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:
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 may include:
warm up
stretch
floor work
centre practice
turns
travelling sequences
sequences with altered spatial organisations,
combining all aspects of embodiment and temporal structures
jumps
cool down.
Performance attributesmay 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.
Footworkmay include:
multiple turns in centre and travelling configurations
sequences that fully demonstrate the capacity to seamlessly transfer weight in all pathway directions
sequences that require the full range of movement executed with style and confidence.
Repertoire may include:
contemporary
modern ballet
original choreography.
Physical learning and adaptability may include:
set exercises or sequences
unseen exercises or sequences
sequences from a range of techniques, such as:
release
Horton
Limon
Cunningham
Graham
execution of extended sequences to right and left sides without prompting
self-correction.
Professional work ethicmay 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
Continuously meet physical conditioning requirements of professional dance work
Demonstrate athleticism, stamina, strength, cardiovascular endurance and flexibility
Minimise risk factors that inhibit the achievement of goals and seek professional assistance when required
Always perform warm-up and cool-down activities in conjunction with dance activities
Practise virtuoso contemporary dance technique across each section of class work
Demonstrate complex performance attributesand quality of movement in sequences of extended difficulty and speed
Show strength, precision and complexity in all aspects of footwork
Execute complex variations of contemporary dancerepertoire with accuracy, applying the virtuoso style
Exhibit a professional level of physical learning and adaptability to incorporate unseen combinations
Demonstrate through ongoing technical strength, diversity and refinement, evidence of advanced self-correction and concentrated response to feedback
Research and analyse a chosen solo from contemporary dance repertoire
Execute repertoire with high level technical accuracy and virtuoso interpretation of music and rhythm
Convey a high level of spatial awareness, including floor patterns and aerial pathways
Execute solo work with a professional sense of musical individuality
Present virtuoso style with a high level of individual artistry, interpretation, expression and physical control
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