Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:50 PM AWST
22/07/2026 11:50 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Increase depth of contemporary dance technique
Increase depth of contemporary dance technique
Unit of competency
National Code
CUADAN308A
CUADAN308A
State Code
S7513
S7513
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
05/04/2012
Field of Education
100105 - Dance
Original Release Date
05/04/2012
Nominal Hours
45
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to consolidate basic contemporary dance technique to achieve a greater depth of expression in performances.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
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, personal limitations and boundaries into account when undertaking physical conditioning program
- 1.5. Always perform warm-up and cool-down activitiesin conjunction with dance activities
- 1.6. Ensure that clothing and footwear are appropriate for undertaking exercise regime and practising dance technique
2. Build on basic contemporary dance technique
- 2.1. Practise a range of exercises in preparation for contemporary dance performances
- 2.2. Choreograph and perform basic contemporary dance routines, in a learning environment
- 2.3. Practise controlling movement such as momentum from turns, jumps, kicks and splits
- 2.4. Perform contemporary dance techniques with increasing confidence and expertise, in a learning environment
- 2.5. Incorporate musicality, rhythm and correct timing into performances
- 2.6. Inject dramatic nuance into dance movements as required
- 2.7. Coordinate position and movement between other dancers
3. Maintain expertise
- 3.1. Continuously practise basic movements
- 3.2. Maintain and update knowledge of contemporary dance terminology
- 3.3. Use feedback from teachers and mentors to identify and develop ways to improve own contemporary dance performance skills
- 3.4. Regularly view performances by industry practitioners as a way of sourcing new ideas and trends, and maintaining motivation
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.
Relevant personnel may include:
teachers
mentors
coaches
medical practitioners
nutrition experts
colleagues
family members
performers
representatives of dance societies.
Risk factors may relate to:
consistency of a physical fitness regime
own ambition
expectations of others
injury-prevention strategies
gender issues
body image and eating disorders
insufficient hydration
poor nutrition
incorrectly fitting footwear
gender-appropriate performance techniques.
Warm-up and cool-down activitiesmay include:
stretching
joint-mobility exercises
flexibility exercises
aerobic activities
anaerobic exercises
coordinated breathing activities
floor work.
Exercisesmay relate to adapting classical ballet movements to a contemporary dance context, such as:
feet:
1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th
parallel
open parallel
turned in
turned out
pliés in all positions (incorporated arms)
tendus in all positions:
turned in
turned out
flex
pointe
basic port de bras
long and short jumps
in position and moving jumps
pirouettes and jazz turns
barrel turns
single and partnered turns
stretches in 1st, 2nd and 4th floor positions
standing
lying and sitting exercises
floor work
articulated movement
torso contractions and releases
isolations
matching dance movement to appropriate breathing technique
coordinated symmetrical and asymmetrical movements.
Contemporary dance techniquesmay include:
Cunningham
Graham
release technique
upper and lower body poses, phrases and movements
correct breathing techniques
balanced positions, including:
elevation of steps
body positions
transitions while in motion and while stationary
standing work and travel combinations
jump work
variations in timing and styles of movement
expressing a range of emotions through the language of dance
centre control
improvisation
spotting employment of strength and agility
employing visualisation techniques
employing strength and agility
demonstrating an awareness of personal and general space when travelling and stationary
using arm lines appropriately and extensively
multi-turning exercises
clean, sharp isocentric and polycentric isolations
correct posture and alignment when in motion
demonstrating safe dance practices in jumping and faster travelling steps
footwork, arm lines and head movements in combination to express rhythm
performing complex turns while maintaining good technique
moving against gravity with confidence and knowledge.
Relevant personnel may include:
teachers
mentors
coaches
medical practitioners
nutrition experts
colleagues
family members
performers
representatives of dance societies.
Risk factors may relate to:
consistency of a physical fitness regime
own ambition
expectations of others
injury-prevention strategies
gender issues
body image and eating disorders
insufficient hydration
poor nutrition
incorrectly fitting footwear
gender-appropriate performance techniques.
Warm-up and cool-down activitiesmay include:
stretching
joint-mobility exercises
flexibility exercises
aerobic activities
anaerobic exercises
coordinated breathing activities
floor work.
Exercisesmay relate to adapting classical ballet movements to a contemporary dance context, such as:
feet:
1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th
parallel
open parallel
turned in
turned out
pliés in all positions (incorporated arms)
tendus in all positions:
turned in
turned out
flex
pointe
basic port de bras
long and short jumps
in position and moving jumps
pirouettes and jazz turns
barrel turns
single and partnered turns
stretches in 1st, 2nd and 4th floor positions
standing
lying and sitting exercises
floor work
articulated movement
torso contractions and releases
isolations
matching dance movement to appropriate breathing technique
coordinated symmetrical and asymmetrical movements.
Contemporary dance techniquesmay include:
Cunningham
Graham
release technique
upper and lower body poses, phrases and movements
correct breathing techniques
balanced positions, including:
elevation of steps
body positions
transitions while in motion and while stationary
standing work and travel combinations
jump work
variations in timing and styles of movement
expressing a range of emotions through the language of dance
centre control
improvisation
spotting employment of strength and agility
employing visualisation techniques
employing strength and agility
demonstrating an awareness of personal and general space when travelling and stationary
using arm lines appropriately and extensively
multi-turning exercises
clean, sharp isocentric and polycentric isolations
correct posture and alignment when in motion
demonstrating safe dance practices in jumping and faster travelling steps
footwork, arm lines and head movements in combination to express rhythm
performing complex turns while maintaining good technique
moving against gravity with confidence and knowledge.
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:
improve contemporary dance technique over a 6 to12 month period
perform a range of basic contemporary dance techniques in a learning environment
respond appropriately to constructive feedback on own dance technique
follow safe dance practices.
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 live or recorded performances
verbal or written questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit
case studies and scenarios as a basis for discussion of issues and challenges that arise in the context of maintaining a personal physical conditioning program
direct observation of candidate in rehearsals and performances.
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:
CUACHR301A Develop basic dance composition skills
CUADAN304A Develop dance improvisational skills
CUAPRF307A Develop performance techniques.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
improve contemporary dance technique over a 6 to12 month period
perform a range of basic contemporary dance techniques in a learning environment
respond appropriately to constructive feedback on own dance technique
follow safe dance practices.
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 live or recorded performances
verbal or written questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit
case studies and scenarios as a basis for discussion of issues and challenges that arise in the context of maintaining a personal physical conditioning program
direct observation of candidate in rehearsals and performances.
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:
CUACHR301A Develop basic dance composition skills
CUADAN304A Develop dance improvisational skills
CUAPRF307A Develop performance techniques.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WI048 | CUADAN308 | Increase depth of contemporary dance technique | Unit of competency |
