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.

Your unit may be subject to government or third party COVID-19 vaccination requirements. Please consider this before enrolling in this unit, and speak with the unit coordinator if this raises any concerns.

• Unit Title

  Extend contemporary dance performance skills to a professional level

• Unit Code

  CUADAN618

• Year

  2022

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Nominal Hours

  120

• 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 prepare for and perform complex contemporary dance technique demonstrating range, depth, precision and artistry across contemporary dance repertoire at a professional level. The unit applies to those who are dancers and who are moving towards professional careers in contexts where complex contemporary dance technique and versatility are required for performing as members of a professional dance company as an ensemble or soloist dancer. At this level, they 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, they 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

• 1. Prepare to perform contemporary dance at a professional level
• 2. Perform contemporary dance sequences at a professional level
• 3. Incorporate allied contemporary dance techniques into professional level performances
• 4. Review and develop professional performance practice

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: prepare for and perform at least three different contemporary dance pieces to a professional level before an audience, at least one of which must be with a partner, at least one of which must be in an ensemble, and at least one of which must be individual. In the course of the above, the candidate must: perform contemporary dance sequences, demonstrating: o expressive skills in line with choreographic intent of dance pieces o ability to respond to complex changes in tempo, time signatures and musical phrasing o high level of dance improvisation skills o skills and speed in directional changes o high level of spatial awareness in group movements o harmony of movement when performing with a partner o high level isolation and energy placement techniques o alignment and extensions in highly difficult combinations incorporate embodiment skills into dance performances 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: 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, including: 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 fundamental technical principles in contemporary dance and performance strategies to respond to feedback to improve performance principles of choreography in the context of contemporary dance and performance, including: o choreographic and stylistic nuances o genres, styles, history and lineage o philosophical nature in contemporary dance o influential choreographers in contemporary dance o importance of embodying concepts through contemporary dance.

Assessment

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. This includes access to: fully equipped dance studios music or accompanists live performance opportunities interaction with others required to demonstrate the performance evidence. Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

Assessment

GS5 VET GRADING SCHEMA Used for WAAPA VET only

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.