Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

CUADAN508A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Develop expertise in allied contemporary dance techniques

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency CUADAN508A - Develop expertise in allied contemporary dance techniques
Description This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop expertise in allied contemporary dance techniques, such as alignment, improvisation, duo and tumbling skills.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit applies to dancers who require skills now considered fundamental for employment in a professional contemporary dance company either in Australia or overseas.At this level, dancers are constantly expanding their range of technical skills in order to develop their artistic capacity in a range of contemporary dance repertoire.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. They are expected to take opportunities to extend the scope of their dance technique practice.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable.
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Extend skills in improvisation
  • Respond to a variety of teaching methods and approaches to developing improvisational skills
  • Practise performing improvisational tasks of increasing complexity and diversity
  • Demonstrate an expanded movement vocabulary in response to various stimuli
  • Extend understanding of how improvisation contributes to contemporary dance repertoire
  • Explore ways of responding to stimuli on the move and in the moment
  • Incorporate understanding of the range of options available to begin improvising through watching, initiating and responding
  • Embody energy concepts in improvisational tasks
       
Element: Develop skills in mat work
  • Perform exercises specifically designed to build strength for tumbling and increasing technical requirements
  • Apply knowledge of anatomy and alignment to extend control in inverted weight-bearing positions
  • Perform rolls from static start and from jumps
  • Perform a wide range of acrobatic skills in relation to allied contemporary dance technique attributes
  • Apply physical skill and adaptability in a range of diverse settings
       
Element: Extend skills in duo
  • Extend expertise in safe rolling, falling and lifting techniques
  • Practise falling safely singly and in partnership situations
  • Cooperate, show consideration and develop rapport with partner during rehearsals
  • Practise timing and weight centring in accomplishing a relationship and feeling of reciprocity
  • Explore ways in which improvisation can be used to extend choreographic possibilities at a basic level
  • Show strength, precision and increasing agility in all aspects of footwork
       
Element: Maintain expertise
  • Apply professional work ethic to all practice and performance activities
  • Incorporate injury-prevention techniques into dance and movement activities
  • Use feedback from teachers and mentors to identify and develop ways to improve own contemporary dance technique as well as group work
  • Regularly view performances by industry practitioners as a way of sourcing new ideas and trends, maintaining motivation, and improving own technique
       


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 as they relate to duo work

develop improvised sequences of movement with an awareness of their relationship to the development of original choreography

respond with a developing sense of performance quality when executing improvised solos and scored group work

relate alignment and anatomical principles to safe dance practice

apply basic performance psychology techniques

execute a range of tumbling skills and basic aerial skills

work with a partner and others collaboratively and harmoniously and with rapport and confidence

demonstrate a professional work ethic.

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 and 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, repertoire and performance and partnering skills as they relate to duo work.

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:

CUADAN402A Improvise an advanced dance sequence

CUADAN505A Refine contemporary dance technique

CUADAN507A Refine dance partnering techniques

CUAPRF501A Refine performance skills.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, 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 partnership

demonstrate cooperation, consideration and develop rapport with others

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 and a variety of stimuli

dance with artistry and assurance

communicate mood and style through dance

initiate ideas and apply processes to develop them creatively

learning skills to:

practise allied contemporary dance techniques through:

rehearsal of fundamental moves and sequences repeatedly, alone, with a partner or in group settings

a positive attitude to dancing

adhere to a personal physical conditioning program that addresses individual requirements of strength and fitness in alignment

planning and organising skills to:

plan practice time

collaborate and develop group processes in improvisation

self-management skills to:

arrive punctually at classes, rehearsals and performances

dress appropriately

observe dance discipline and understand direction

apply safe dance practices and identify risk factors

demonstrate professional work ethic

teamwork skills to work collaboratively with others in dance classes and performances

technical dance skills to:

execute fundamental technical skills in solo, partnership and group situations

apply physical control in the execution of skills particularly in duo and mat work

demonstrate timing and weight centring techniques with partner, applying them to lifts and counterbalances in duo techniques and mat work

improvise with a diversity of stimuli as the source of movement exploration

demonstrate a high level of spatial awareness, including floor patterns and aerial pathways in allied dance techniques

sense kinaesthetically the needs of partner and others and adapt appropriately

emulate the style and intention of repertoire or choreography through allied contemporary dance techniques.

Required knowledge

principles underlying dance movements and techniques, including:

movement efficiency

relationship with gravity

spatial awareness

sequential 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

improvisational techniques relevant to allied contemporary dance techniques

risk factors in mat work and duo techniques

performance psychology techniques, such as:

visualisations

affirmations

relaxation techniques

mental rehearsal

maintaining a work-life balance.

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.

Teaching methods may include:

student centred learning approaches that encourage:

initiative

self-motivation

creativity

release techniques.

Repertoire may include:

contemporary dance repertoire

modern ballet repertoire

original choreography.

Technical requirements may include:

placement and coordination of body parts

strength and stability

giving and taking weight

posture

hand grips and hand placement for balance

relationship between partners.

Weight-bearing positionsmay include:

handstands

headstands

cartwheels

dive rolls.

Allied contemporary dance technique 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.

Physical skill and adaptability may include:

set exercises or sequences

unseen exercises or sequences

sequences from a range of techniques

execution of extended sequences to right and left sides without prompting

self-correction.

Safe rolling techniques may relate to:

rolling in all directions in a variety of ways, including:

shoulder rolls

sidewards

backwards.

Safe lifting techniquesmay relate to:

weight taking with counterbalance

stability of various body parts

momentum moving in and out of gravitational states.

Footworkmay include:

sequences throughout classes

travelling configurations

sequences that require the full range of movement in all directions.

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.

Injury-prevention techniquesmay include:

warming up and cooling down before and after class and performance

wearing appropriate clothing and footwear

applying intent and focus while dancing

not overstretching

wearing appropriate bandaging and bracing where appropriate to support body

appropriate diet and rest

using appropriate equipment, such as barre, mirror and sprung floors

attention to teacher.

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
Respond to a variety of teaching methods and approaches to developing improvisational skills 
Practise performing improvisational tasks of increasing complexity and diversity 
Demonstrate an expanded movement vocabulary in response to various stimuli 
Extend understanding of how improvisation contributes to contemporary dance repertoire 
Explore ways of responding to stimuli on the move and in the moment 
Incorporate understanding of the range of options available to begin improvising through watching, initiating and responding 
Embody energy concepts in improvisational tasks 
Perform exercises specifically designed to build strength for tumbling and increasing technical requirements 
Apply knowledge of anatomy and alignment to extend control in inverted weight-bearing positions 
Perform rolls from static start and from jumps 
Perform a wide range of acrobatic skills in relation to allied contemporary dance technique attributes 
Apply physical skill and adaptability in a range of diverse settings 
Extend expertise in safe rolling, falling and lifting techniques 
Practise falling safely singly and in partnership situations 
Cooperate, show consideration and develop rapport with partner during rehearsals 
Practise timing and weight centring in accomplishing a relationship and feeling of reciprocity 
Explore ways in which improvisation can be used to extend choreographic possibilities at a basic level 
Show strength, precision and increasing agility in all aspects of footwork 
Apply professional work ethic to all practice and performance activities 
Incorporate injury-prevention techniques into dance and movement activities 
Use feedback from teachers and mentors to identify and develop ways to improve own contemporary dance technique as well as group work 
Regularly view performances by industry practitioners as a way of sourcing new ideas and trends, maintaining motivation, and improving own technique 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CUADAN508A - Develop expertise in allied contemporary dance techniques
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

CUADAN508A - Develop expertise in allied contemporary dance techniques

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: