Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to dance sur les pointes at an advanced level. It applies to dancers consolidating their careers in contexts where dancing sur les pointes at an advanced level is expected. They perform across a range of dance repertoire as part of a duo, in an ensemble or in solo roles.
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. While some supervision and guidance are provided in practice sessions and rehearsals, dancers are expected to be self-directed and display a high level of motivation and responsibility for themselves and others.
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. Prepare for pointe work | 1.1 Prepare feet and pointe shoes for pointe work 1.2 Warm up and warm down the body for pointe using the entire body for support, including the legs, back and abdominal muscles 1.3 Identify and minimise risk factors associated with pointe work 1.4 Seek assistance and advice when injuries from pointe work occur |
2. Practise pointe technique of increasing difficulty | 2.1 Use appropriate terminology to analyse the components of pointe technique 2.2 Practise developing performance attributes and quality of movement in sequences of increasing difficulty sur les pointes 2.3 Execute variations of ballet repertoire with accuracy sur les pointes across ballet styles and genres 2.4 Demonstrate accurate technical requirements and spatial arrangements, individual artistic quality, and correct musical and rhythmic interpretation en pointe |
3. Review own progress in developing pointe technique | 3.1 Monitor progress through critical analysis of own pointe work performance in class 3.2 Use feedback from others to identify and develop ways to improve own pointe technique 3.3 Regularly view performances by industry practitioners as a way of sourcing new ideas, identifying trends, maintaining motivation, and improving own technique |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
prepare feet and shoes for pointe work to avoid risks and injuries
refine pointe technique through practice
apply correct point technique to ballet repertoire
respond appropriately to feedback on own pointe technique
use pointe 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 the following sections of dance work apply to pointe work:
adage
allegro
barre
batterie
centre practice
grand allegro
pirouettes
warm up and warm down
explain how the following principles relate to physical movements and pointe work techniques:
extending
folding
relationship with gravity
rotating
sequential movement
shifting weight
spatial awareness
use of breath
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
describe:
health and wellbeing issues relevant to classical ballet artists
risk factors in ballet for the body, especially in relation to pointe work
explain the relationship between musical rhythms and pointe work
describe key periods in the history of ballet and pointe and the principles of classical ballet.
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:
fully equipped dance studios with suitable flooring
appropriate music or accompanists.
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 | 3.2, 3.3 | Analyses feedback, reviews personal goals and reflects on learning and performance Gains insight from previous experience and from viewing the performances of others |
Oral communication | 1.4, 2.1, 3.2 | Obtains information by listening and questioning |
Navigate the world of work | 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 | Follows accepted industry practices in relation to safe dance practices and injury-prevention strategies Takes responsibility for own professional development |
Interact with others | 1.4, 2.1, 3.2 | Works collaboratively to develop and improve pointe work techniques |
Get the work done | 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 | Adopts a methodical, disciplined and positive approach to dance classes, injury prevention and evaluation of own skill development Applies advanced pointe work to classical ballet sequences and repertoire |
Sectors
Performing arts – dance