CUADAN509A
Refine pointe work techniques
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to dance sur les pointes at an advanced level.
Application
This unit applies to dancers who are consolidating their career 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.
Dancing en pointe requires strength and skill and is a central part of a female ballet dancer's training and repertoire. Pointe shoes are normally worn only by female dancers, though male dancers may wear them for certain roles and professional performances.
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare the body for pointe work | 1.1. Prepare feet and pointe shoes for pointe work 1.2. Warm up and cool 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 common injuries |
2. Practise pointe technique of increasing difficulty | 2.1. Use appropriate terminology to analyse the components of pointe technique 2.2. Apply correct technical requirements to pointe work 2.3. Work on developing performance attributes 2.4. Execute variations of ballet 2.5. Demonstrate accurate 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 teachers and mentors 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 and trends, maintaining motivation, and improving own technique |
Required Skills
Required skills
communication skills to:
respond appropriately to feedback on own skill development and performance
consult with peers, mentors and doctors, including interpersonal skills relating to listening, questioning, gaining feedback and giving information
use correct terminology
initiative and enterprise skills to:
refine pointe technique
dance with artistry and assurance
learning skills to refine pointe work through:
practising movements and sequences of increasing difficulty
a positive attitude to dancing
analysing pointe work
planning and organising skills to prepare for pointe work
self-management skills to:
arrive punctually at classes and rehearsals
dress appropriately
observe dance discipline and follow direction
apply safe dance practices and identify risk factors associated with pointe work
technical dance skills to:
articulate correct pointe work technique
apply advanced pointe work to classical ballet sequences and repertoire showing:
muscular strength and flexibility
control of movement
classical line
quality and breadth of movement
individual artistic qualities and personalities
more complex enchaînements.
Required knowledge
well-developed knowledge of each section of dance work as it applies to pointe work, including:
barre
centre practice
adage
pirouettes
allegro
batterie
grand allegro
cool down
principles underlying dance movements and techniques as applied to pointe work, including:
balance
spatial awareness
successional movement
use of breath
control of movement
muscular strength and flexibility
rotation
transference of weight
anatomical foundations, including:
articulation of the spine
articulation 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
health and wellbeing issues relevant to classical ballet artists
relationship between music and dance
risk factors in ballet for the physical body, especially as applied to pointe work
pointe work terminology
history of ballet and pointe
principles of classical ballet.
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: prepare feet and shoes for pointe work to avoid risks and injuries refine pointe technique through practice respond appropriately to feedback on own pointe technique apply correct pointe terminology and technique to ballet repertoire. |
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 classical ballet technique and repertoire that incorporate advanced level pointe 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: CUADAN501A Refine ballet technique CUADAN502A Refine ballet performance skills. |
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.
Preparations for feet may include: | cutting toe nails protecting the feet through use of, for example: toe pads lamb’s wool using gel medical dressing to help relieve the pain of blisters tying ribbons correctly around ankles changing pointe shoes as required ensuring there is nothing loose around the legs that could cause tripping or other injuries. |
Preparations for pointe shoes may include: | using an experienced fitter for shoes to determine: size length width arch other measurements of the foot sewing on elastic to prevent shoes slipping off a narrow heel sewing on ribbons based on professional advice breaking in shoes which may consist of: making the hard shank more supple, so that the shoes can actually bend on demi pointe softening sensitive spots on the box to offer less friction against the feet by dampening a towel and applying to the box cutting the shank where arch is and then spraying the box with water using cyanoacrylate glue or shellac to harden toe box and make shoes last slightly longer. |
Warm-up and cool-down may include: | stretching at the barre feet-strengthening exercises joint-mobility exercises (especially those that apply to the ankles and ball of foot) articulating through foot from flat to demi pointe to pointe and down relevés in 1st and 2nd positions échappés relevés steps ending on one foot, such as pas de bourrée en pointes and retiré en pointes in centre practice, exercises on both feet, such as: temps levés relevés échappés en pointe coordinated breathing activities. |
Risk factors may include: | common injuries incorrectly fitting footwear slippery or hard floor surface. |
Common injuries | Achilles tendinitis athlete's foot bunions bunionette bursitis bruises bruised toenails calluses contusion corns cuts between the toes dancer's heel (plantar fasciitis) dermatitis dorsal exostosis extensor tendinitis fungus nails hallux limitus and rigidus hammer toes heel bruises heel spurs ingrown toenails jammed big toes neuromas plantar warts sesamoiditis sprained ankles stress fractures thickened toenails. |
Pointe technique | commencing with warm-up exercises at the barre and in the centre before performing routines or combinations en pointe practising combinations in centre applying correct posture and placement engaging abdominal muscles applying rotation of the legs dancer rising onto full pointe by passing through half-pointe or demi-pointe achieving full pointe by either articulating through the feet for adage or relevés to pointe in allegro combinations. |
Technical requirements | correct placement and coordination of body parts transference of weight strength and stability posture balance rotation of legs. |
Performance attributes | enchaînements of increasing difficulty expressing own individual artistry mastering classical line muscular strength and flexibility. |
Repertoire may include: | romantic classical modern ballet original choreography. |
Ballet styles and genres may include: | contemporary ballet modern ballet neoclassical ballet-masquerade ballet-melodramatique romantic imperial. |
Spatial arrangements | floor patterns aerial pathways. |
Critical analysis | individual coaching sessions viewing recordings of own performance during practice sessions. |
Sectors
Performing arts - dance
Employability Skills
Not applicable.
Licensing Information
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to dance sur les pointes at an advanced level.