Certificate IV in Dance

This qualification reflects the role of individuals working in a wide variety of dance performance contexts. They apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems, and analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources. They may provide leadership and guidance to others and have limited responsibility for the output of others.

Job roles

Possible job titles relevant to this qualification include:

dancer (ensemble and solo)

choreographer.


Subjects

Total number of units = 14

7 core units plus

7 elective units

The elective units consist of:

4 units from Group A

of the remaining units:

up to 3 may be from Group A and/or B

up to 2 may be from a Certificate IV in any endorsed Training Package or accredited course

1 may be from a Certificate III or Diploma in any endorsed Training Package.

The elective units chosen must be relevant to the work outcome and meet local industry needs.

Core units

add topic CUACHR403A Develop skills in the craft of choreography

add topic CUADAN303A Develop dance partnering techniques

add topic CUADAN407A Develop expertise in dance performance skills

add topic CUAOHS401A Apply movement and behavioural principles to physical conditioning

add topic CUAPRF404A Refine movement skills for performance

add topic CUAPRF405A Rehearse technique for performance

add topic CUVPRP404A Develop self as artist

Group A elective units

Choreography

add topic CUACHR401A Create and perform dance pieces

Dance

add topic CUADAN401A Develop on-camera dance performance skills

add topic CUADAN402A Improvise an advanced dance sequence

add topic CUADAN403A Develop expertise in jazz dance technique

add topic CUADAN404A Develop expertise in bodyweather and butoh dance technique

add topic CUADAN405A Develop expertise in street dance technique

add topic CUADAN406A Develop expertise in social dance technique

add topic CUADAN408A Develop expertise in ballet technique

add topic CUADAN409A Develop expertise in contemporary dance technique

add topic CUADAN410A Develop expertise in tap dance technique

add topic CUADAN411A Develop expertise in cultural dance technique

Dance literacy

add topic CUADLT401A Document dance

add topic CUADLT402A Explore the relationship between music and dance

Industry context

add topic CUAIND401A Extend expertise in specialist field

Occupational health and safety/safe dance

add topic CUAOHS402A Participate in gym and weight training for performances

add topic CUAOHS403A Incorporate anatomy and nutrition principles into skill development

Other performance genres

add topic CUAPRF401A Employ a range of acting skills in performance

add topic CUAPRF402A Develop conceptual and expressive skills as a performer

add topic CUAPRF406A Use technique in performance

add topic CUAPRF407A Develop expertise in musical theatre techniques

add topic CUARES401A Research dance concepts

Cross-industry

add topic BSBCRT402A Collaborate in a creative process

add topic CUFIND401A Provide services on a freelance basis

add topic CUSMPF402A Develop and maintain stagecraft skills

add topic CUVRES401A Research history and theory to inform own arts practice

Group B elective units

Choreography

add topic CUACHR301A Develop basic dance composition skills

Dance literacy

add topic CUADLT301A Develop basic dance analysis skills

Dance teaching

add topic CUADTM401A Plan and organise dance classes

add topic CUADTM403A Apply safe dance teaching methods

Industry context

add topic CUAIND301A Work effectively in the creative arts industry

Occupational health and safety/safe dance

add topic CUAOHS301A Condition the body for dance performances

Other performance genres

add topic CUAMUP301A Prepare personal appearance for performances

add topic CUAPPM301A Assist with designing performance spaces

add topic CUAPRF303A Perform basic on-ground acrobatic skills

add topic CUAPRF304A Develop audition techniques

Production management

add topic CUASTA301A Assist with production operations for live performances

Cross-industry

add topic BSBCRT401A Articulate, present and debate ideas

add topic BSBDIV301A Work effectively with diversity

add topic CUFCMP301A Implement copyright arrangements

add topic CUFDIG303A Produce and prepare photo images

add topic CUFIND301B Work effectively in the screen and media industries

add topic CUSIND302A Plan a career in the creative arts industry

add topic CUSMLT302A Develop and apply aural-perception skills

add topic CUSMLT303A Notate music

add topic HLTFA301B Apply first aid

add topic TAEASS401A Plan assessment activities and processes

add topic TAEASS402A Assess competence

add topic TAEDES401A Design and develop learning programs

Selecting electives for different outcomes

The following examples are designed to assist in the selection of appropriate electives for particular outcomes at this level, but they are in no way prescriptive.

Dancer (ensemble and solo)

Core units plus:

add topic CUADAN401A Develop on-camera dance performance skills

add topic CUADAN402A Improvise an advanced dance sequence

add topic CUADAN403A Develop expertise in jazz dance technique

add topic CUADAN409A Develop expertise in contemporary dance technique

add topic CUAMUP301A Prepare personal appearance for performances

add topic CUAOHS403A Incorporate anatomy and nutrition principles into skill development

add topic CUFIND401A Provide services on a freelance basis

Dancer/choreographer

Core units plus:

add topic CUACHR401A Create and perform dance pieces

add topic CUACHR403A Develop skills in the craft of choreography

add topic CUACHR501A Create and perform complex dance pieces

add topic CUADAN403A Develop expertise in jazz dance technique

add topic CUADLT401A Document dance

add topic CUADLT402A Explore the relationship between music and dance

add topic CUFIND401A Provide services on a freelance basis


Pathways...

    Candidates entering this qualification may produce evidence of dance expertise through grades achieved in different dance styles through dance societies that run examinations linked to certification levels. It is recommended that registered training organisations (RTOs) liaise with relevant dance societies to determine certification level equivalence. Alternatively, candidates may have acquired dance skills through self-directed learning.


Entry Requirements

An audition or other form of evidence where the candidate demonstrates competence in at least one dance style at Certificate III level.


Licensing Information

There is no direct link between this qualification and licensing, legislative and/or regulatory requirements.


Employability Skills

The following table contains a summary of the employability skills required by the creative industries for this qualification. The employability skills facets described here are broad industry requirements that may vary depending on qualification packaging options. This table is a summary of employability skills that are typical of this qualification and should not be interpreted as definitive.

Employability skill

Industry/enterprise requirements for this qualification

Communication

discussing and writing about choreographic elements in relation to compositional studies

discussing body conditioning and dance technique issues with colleagues and teachers

interpreting and clarifying written and verbal instructions

documenting choreography

Teamwork

working collaboratively with dancers to create dance pieces

providing direction to dancers

recognising and supporting the contribution of other artists

working creatively with individual differences

sharing industry information with colleagues and peers

dancing with a partner

Problem-solving

evaluating and challenging ideas and moving them forward towards solutions

establishing and maintaining personal financial and work record-keeping systems

developing personal budgets and monitoring income and expenditure against budgets

resolving problems encountered in performance or training

Initiative and enterprise

generating and exploring ideas

experimenting with movement to enhance dance performance outcomes

developing new choreography and following through with own individual style or idea

using original and innovative approaches in stage performances

Planning and organising

setting work and practice goals

preparing self for performance

monitoring own work and introducing strategies to improve performance

prioritising work tasks and establishing deadlines

preparing and circulating self-promotional material to potential clients or employers

incorporating props, music and costumes into the planning process when developing choreography

planning for contingencies

Self-management

setting development goals

observing protocols appropriate to the genre, style and context of performance

responding appropriately to constructive feedback on own performance

Learning

improving performance and choreographic skills through experimentation and practice

reflecting on and enhancing own ability to contribute effectively to a collaborative creative process

improving dance craft skills and expression through rehearsal and performance

seeking feedback and integrating constructive advice into own work performance

Technology

using the internet to access information

using relevant business equipment