Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to consolidate basic tap dance technique to achieve a greater depth of expression in performances.
This unit applies to dancers who are pursuing a career in musical theatre and other contexts where tap dancing skills are required. They could be preparing for performances in commercial or community settings where they would usually be performing as members of an ensemble.
At this level work is normally supervised, though some autonomy and judgement can be expected within established parameters.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance Criteria Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Maintain a physical conditioning program | 1.1 In consultation with relevant personnel, identify a range of techniques to improve stamina, strength and flexibility 1.2 Set realistic physical conditioning goals aimed at improving own dance technique 1.3 Identify risk factors that may inhibit the achievement of goals and seek professional advice as required 1.4 Take fatigue and personal limitations into account when undertaking physical conditioning program 1.5 Perform warm-up and warm-down activities in conjunction with dance activities 1.6 Ensure that clothing and footwear are appropriate for exercise regime and practising dance technique |
2. Build on basic tap dance technique | 2.1 Perform dance centre amalgamations safely and with increasing expertise 2.2 Improvise movements to create a personal style, in a learning environment 2.3 Choreograph and perform basic tap dance sequences, in a learning environment 2.4 Extend individuality and originality during practice sessions and performances 2.5 Incorporate musicality, rhythm and correct timing into performances 2.6 Coordinate position and movement between self and other dancers |
3. Maintain expertise in basic tap dance technique | 3.1 Practise basic movements 3.2 Maintain and update knowledge of tap dance history and terminology 3.3 Use feedback from others to identify and develop ways to improve own tap dance performance skills 3.4 Regularly view performances by industry practitioners as a way of sourcing new ideas, identifying trends, and maintaining motivation |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
improve tap dance technique over a six to twelve-month period
perform two dances of differing tempos and time signatures that demonstrate:
confident performance skills
ability to communicate the mood or style of dances
accuracy in basic tap techniques
respond to constructive feedback on own performance
follow safe dance practices
use tap dance terminology correctly.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided for each of the above points at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements the individual must:
explain how following principles relate to physical movements and tap dance techniques:
relationship with gravity
spatial awareness
successional movement
use of breath
folding
extending
rotating
shifting weight
explain how the following apply in the context of safe dance practice and injury prevention:
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
healthy nutrition and diet
explain and demonstrate how the musical elements of time signatures, beat, tempo and syncopation apply to tap dance technique
describe key points and prominent dancers in the history of tap
in the context of choreographing tap dance sequences, explain:
stage layout and directions
ways of notating tap dance.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to appropriate dance performance areas or spaces with suitable flooring.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Learning | 1.1, 3.3, 3.4 | Seeks the views and opinions of others to develop own understanding Observes industry practitioners, sources new ideas and identifies trends, and applies to own techniques |
Reading | 3.2, 3.3 | Obtains information from written sources about tap dance history and terminology Interprets a simple combination of tap dance steps in written form |
Oral communication | 1.1, 1.3, 3.2, 3.3 | Obtains information by listening and questioning |
Navigate the world of work | 1.5, 1.6, 3.2 | Follows accepted industry practices in relation to safe dance practices Develops and maintains knowledge relevant to role |
Interact with others | 1.1, 1.3, 2.6, 3.2, 3.3 | Discusses dance technique and physical conditioning issues with colleagues and teachers Builds rapport with fellow dancers |
Get the work done | 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6 | Understands own physical limitations and applies to planning and implementation of physical conditioning program Adopts a methodical, disciplined and positive approach to dance classes and performances Dances with confidence and a sense of individuality Uses imagination to choreograph simple tap routines Identifies and applies a range of responses to music and rhythm through dance movements Recognises opportunities to develop and apply new approaches to choreographing and performing tap routines |
Sectors
Performing arts - dance