Application
Persons with some practical experience in contemporary dance apply the skills and knowledge outlined in this unit. They would normally perform as members of a group or ensemble.
At this level basic contemporary dance techniques are applied under the close supervision of experienced dancers and dance teachers. Performances would usually be within a learning environment for small audiences.
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Develop an understanding of contemporary dance as an art form | 1.1. Develop understanding of movement philosophies 1.2. Develop understanding of the underlying |
2. Develop basic contemporary dance performance skills | 2.1. Under the guidance of mentors or teachers, develop a range of basic contemporary dance techniques 2.2. Apply safe dance practices 2.3. Explore natural body response to a range of contemporary dance styles, including movement and percussion 2.4. Explore ways of incorporating acting techniques into dance routines as a way of expressing emotions and creating characters 2.5. Practise performing choreography in unison with other dancers 2.6. Follow advice from others about ways to improve own dance technique |
3. Perform short dance routines | 3.1. Discuss the intention and key aspects of routines with relevant personnel 3.2. Apply basic make-up and wear appropriate costumes for performances 3.3. Perform simple routines combining a variety of discrete movements in ensemble or individually 3.4. Use props effectively and confidently as required 3.5. Observe direction from relevant personnel 3.6. Observe and follow dictates of music or rhythm 3.7. Synchronise movements with ensemble where required |
Required Skills
Required skills
communication skills to:
discuss dance issues with colleagues in an appropriate way
respond appropriately to feedback on own skill development and performance
initiative and enterprise skills to:
apply techniques of music to movement in dance forms
express rhythms in physical form
approach unknown works with confidence and energy
learning skills to:
improve own contemporary dance techniques through practice and a positive attitude to dancing
develop a movement memory
planning and organising skills to:
prepare for performances
plan practice time
self-management skills to:
arrive punctually at classes
dress appropriately
observe dance discipline and follow direction
apply safe dance practices
teamwork skills to:
work collaboratively with others involved in dance classes and performances
work in a cohesive partnership with a peer, interpreting a dance style.
Required knowledge
well-developed knowledge of:
principles underlying dance movements and 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
importance of healthy food choices in relation to wellbeing and injury prevention, including five food groups and recommended daily amounts
contemporary dance terminology
overview knowledge of:
stagecraft as it relates to dancers, including:
costumes
make-up
props
lighting
history of contemporary dance, including prominent dancers.
Evidence Required
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: reproduce contemporary dance exercises and routines, within personal capabilities convey the basic communicative message of contemporary dance steps and movements display fluency of movement apply the basic concepts of contemporary dance to own performances. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Assessment must ensure access to appropriate dance performance areas or spaces. |
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 performance of dance skills verbal or written questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit review of candidate’s dance performances by peers and colleagues analysis of dancer’s ability to convey dance’s intended meaning direct observation or video recording of dance performance. 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: CUADAN201A Develop basic dance techniques CUADAN202A Incorporate artistic expression into basic dance performances CUAPRF201A Prepare self for performances. |
Range Statement
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.
Movement philosophies | Alexander technique Bartenieff fundamentals Feldenkrais method Ideokinesis Pilates yoga Thera-Band. |
Terminology | grounded contraction floor work contact improvisation. |
Principles may include: | strong centre and back good placement active muscle use off centre balance twisting movements isolations release contractions triplets floor work. |
Styles may include: | Graham Cunningham Hawkins Horton Humphrey-Weidman release Alvin Alley. |
Basic contemporary dance techniques | correct body alignment contact improvisational techniques corporeal mime maintaining balance on supporting leg maintaining control in turning balances maintaining rhythm and tempo using arm lines appropriately and extensively fluid control of rolls working at differing tempos focusing eyes and mind while performing dancing barefoot isocentric and polycentric isolations air work floor work improvisation locomotor exercises and sequences, such as: pirouettes posés piqués pencil turns châinés kicks jumps and leaps non-locomotor exercises and sequences, such as: pliés tendus working on centre and off centre. |
Safe dance practices | understanding the body’s capabilities and limitations, including: alignment flexibility (mobility) strength (stability) cardiorespiratory endurance muscular endurance warm-up and cool-down activities, such as: gentle stretches aerobic exercises anaerobic exercises breathing exercises doing exercises and performing routines on flooring appropriate to genre and style of dance, such as: sprung softwood tarkett sprung parquet tongue and groove hardwood resined for ballroom and Latin dance non-slip for ballet wood for tap and Spanish correct execution of dance steps appropriate clothing and footwear nutrition and diet. |
Aspects | audience characteristics costume requirements length of performances make-up props number of performances. |
Relevant personnel | choreographers community members manager mentors performers representatives of dance societies supervisor. |
Basic make-up may include: | face make-up body paint theatre make-up. |
Costumes may include: | designer streetwear sportswear. |
Sectors
Performing arts - dance
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Licensing Information
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.