Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

Please note that there may be some modifications to the assessment schedule promoted in Handbook for Semester 1 2023 Units. All assessment changes will be published by 20th February 2023. All students are reminded to check the handbook at the beginning of semester to ensure they have the correct outline.

• Unit Title

  Refine contemporary dance techniques

• Unit Code

  CUADAN515

• Year

  2023

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Nominal Hours

  140

• Full Year Unit

  Y

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

• Unit Coordinator

  Ms Susan Desley PEACOCK

Description

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to add range, depth and increasing complexity to contemporary dance technique. The unit applies to those who are dancers consolidating a career where complex contemporary dance technique is required in commercial, competitive or artistic settings. They usually perform as members of an ensemble, but some solo work can also be expected. At this level, they are challenging themselves with dance pieces and repertoire of increasing technical and physical complexity. While some supervision and guidance are provided, they 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

• 1. Apply own physical conditioning program
• 2. Practise complex contemporary dance techniques and adaptability skills
• 3. Present complex contemporary dance sequences
• 4. Review and develop expertise in contemporary dance technique

Learning Experience

Students will attend on campus classes as well as engage in learning activities through ECU's LMS

For more information see the Semester Timetable

Performance Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including evidence of the ability to: perform at least three contemporary dance pieces, using at least two different contemporary dance styles. In the course of the above, the candidate must: perform complex combinations of contemporary dance technique using: o muscular strength and flexibility o alignment and extensions in highly difficult combinations o high level of coordination of limbs, torso and head o high level of spatial awareness in group movements o control and release of movement o use of breath o quality and breadth of movement o individual artistic qualities o torso contractions and releases o floorwork o isolation and energy placement techniques o combinations of spatial organisations with turns, balances and jumps of increasing difficulty and dynamic continuity demonstrate professional work ethic, set clear personal goals and engage in self-assessment processes follow injury-prevention techniques and safe dance practices communicate mood, style and grace through dance respond to different time signatures in music use contemporary dance terminology when required.

Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including knowledge of: genres, styles and philosophical nature of contemporary dance contribution of influential choreographers roles and hierarchy in auditions, rehearsals and performances for contemporary dance performers principles relating to contemporary dance movements and techniques, including: o relationship with gravity o spatial awareness o use of breath o movement pathways o expanding and contracting o shifting weight principles relating to safe dance practice and injury prevention: o spine articulation o foot engagement o bases of support, including feet, legs, hands, arms and torso o joint range of motion o differentiation of legs and pelvis health and safety policies and procedures relevant to the dance environment application of musical elements of time signatures, beat, tempo and syncopation to contemporary dance technique contemporary dance history and lineage method for choreographing complex contemporary dance routines, including ways of notating contemporary dance strategies to respond to feedback and good practice to improve dance techniques.

Assessment

Skills in this unit must be demonstrated in a workplace or simulated environment where the conditions are typical of those in a working environment in this industry. This includes access to: dance studios with required flooring for performing contemporary dance music or accompanists required to demonstrate the performance evidence. Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant School Progression Panel.