Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to show range, depth, precision and complexity across contemporary dance technique and repertoire at a professional level.
This unit applies to dancers who are moving towards professional careers in contexts where complex contemporary dance technique is required for performing as members of a dance company as an ensemble or soloist dancer or in other professional contexts.
At this level, dancers are constantly refining their technique and perfecting their artistry across complex dance sequences and repertoire, including improvisation, solo and group work.
While some supervision and guidance are provided in practice sessions and rehearsals, dancers are expected to display a high level of motivation and responsibility for themselves and others during practice sessions, rehearsals and live performances.
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. Excel at a physical conditioning program | 1.1 Meet physical conditioning requirements of professional dance work 1.2 Demonstrate ongoing stamina, strength, cardiovascular endurance and flexibility 1.3 Minimise risk factors that inhibit the achievement of goals and seek professional assistance when required 1.4 Observe safe dance practice by performing warm-up and warm-down activities in conjunction with dance activities |
2. Execute a professional level of artistry and presentation in practice sessions | 2.1 Apply a professional level of concentration and expertise to refine extended contemporary dance technique in each section of class work 2.2 Develop complex performance attributes and quality of movement in sequences of extended difficulty 2.3 Show strength, precision and complexity in all aspects of footwork 2.4 Exhibit professionalism and adaptability to incorporate unseen combinations with speed and verve 2.5 Refine techniques for working with a partner 2.6 Demonstrate through ongoing technical strength, diversity and refinement, evidence of advanced self-correction and concentrated response to feedback |
3. Extend improvisation techniques | 3.1 Practise improvisation tasks of increasing complexity and diversity 3.2 Apply an ever-expanding movement vocabulary and spontaneity in response to various stimuli 3.3 Achieve a mature performance quality through improvised solos and scored group work 3.4 Use a wide range of improvisation skills to extend choreographic possibilities |
4. Practise complex contemporary dance movement sequences | 4.1 Practise complex movements with increased attention to rhythms and time signatures commonly used in contemporary dance 4.2 Convey a high level of spatial awareness appropriate to solo and group work 4.3 Execute group work with a professional sense of cohesion, and solo work demonstrating strong musical individuality 4.4 Present variations and complex movement sequences with a high level of stage presence and confidence across contemporary dance styles |
5. Develop professional practice | 5.1 Refine professional work ethic and knowledge of contemporary dance history and trends 5.2 In consultation with teachers and mentors, develop realistic parameters for extending scope of performance practice 5.3 Identify regimes and artistic strategies to refine own performance technique |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
demonstrate through the execution of sequences the following dance skills:
mature understanding of dance improvisation as a skilled technique
alignment and extensions in highly difficult combinations
reproduction of complex movement sequences on both sides of the body
skills and speed in directional changes
high level of spatial awareness in group movements
high level of coordination of limbs, torso and head
develop professional practice
display a consistent level of commitment to developing performance quality and artistry in the given style
use contemporary 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 the following principles relate to contemporary dance movements and techniques:
extending
folding
relationship with gravity
rotating
shifting weight
spatial awareness
successional movement
use of breath
demonstrate physical and conceptual understanding of the fundamental technical principles in contemporary dance
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
explain and demonstrate how the musical elements of time signatures, beat, tempo and syncopation apply to contemporary dance technique
in relation to contemporary dance, demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of:
choreographic and stylistic nuances
genres, styles and philosophical nature
influential choreographers
the role of acting.
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 | 5.2, 5.3 | Analyses feedback and reflects on performance to identify ways to develop performance Identifies opportunities to extend professional development |
Oral communication | 1.3, 2.5, 5.2 | Obtains information by listening and questioning |
Navigate the world of work | 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 | Follows accepted industry practices in relation to safe dance practices and general work ethic Takes responsibility for own professional development |
Interact with others | 1.3, 2.5, 2.6, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 5.2 | Collaborates with dance partners to ensure that partnered sequences flow and respond to choreographic intent Communicates mood, style and grace through dance |
Get the work done | 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 | Adopts a methodical, disciplined and positive approach to dance classes and physical conditioning program Works creatively with music and dance Adapts appropriately to cultural differences in dance Develops increased range and sequencing of unique improvised movements Displays high level of competency in each section of class work Responds to different time signatures Executes counterbalance, support, manipulation mechanics and medium-level power lifting Demonstrates skills in grip leverage, thrust and counter-thrust and coordinated timing Performs high level isolation and energy placement techniques Shows alignment and extensions in highly difficult combinations Executes balances, turns and jumps on and off centre in a wide variety of shapes Performs multiple turns in a variety of body shapes Shows skills and speed in directional changes Displays a high level of spatial awareness in group movements Exhibits a high level of coordination of limbs, torso and head |
Sectors
Performing arts - dance