Dance

cassandra donaldson

performance "work"

30-JUN-2004

Just wondering are there any preferred styles or themes
for the performance works in the HSC? Eg Is it
preferred if students perform modern or ballet as
opposed to something faster? Or is it pretty much that
anything that portrays some sort of theme or story or
has intent is ok?

Deidhre Wauchop

30-JUN-2004

>Just wondering are there any preferred styles or themes
>for the performance works in the HSC? Eg Is it
>preferred if students perform modern or ballet as
>opposed to something faster? Or is it pretty much that
>anything that portrays some sort of theme or story or
>has intent is ok?

Dear Cassandra

I think your question relates more to Major Study
Performance rather than Core Performance.

Regarding themes: The Core Performance Dance does not
need to have a "theme", whereas the Major Study Work
does need to be driven by thematic considerations. There
are no "preferred" themes just don't fall into the trap
of focusing on the theatricality of the performance (eg
dramatic qualities of a narrative using literal
movements) rather than the demonstration of technical
skills and performance quality.

Regarding styles: You need to ensure that in both Core
and Major Study Performance you are demonstrating your
level of technique (technique that is based on a fusion
of ballet and modern) through the execution of complex
movement sequences. You also need to demonstrate a broad
range of body skills (see areas of study).

There are no restrictions about how the Dance (Core) or
Work (Major) might be "stylised". Just be aware that
some styles may not allow you to demonstrate a high
level of technique or a broad range of skills. A fusion
of styles e.g. contemporary modern or contemporary
ballet in your dance will provide scope for variations
in speed and dynamic.

You have asked some tricky questions! If this answer
doesn't give you peace of mind let me know!

Claire downey

Viva Voce

18-JUN-2004

How can we help students to prepare for the viva?

Deidhre Wauchop

21-JUN-2004

>How can we help students to prepare for the viva?

Dear Claire

The viva voce is assessed on the ability of the
student to apply theory to practice, in the case of the
core performance component, safe dance practice to
the performance of the dance.

Students need to be really familiar with the areas of
study in core performance. Teachers can be really
explicit in using the terminology related to the areas
of study during class work. There are many
strategies that can be employed during practical
performance classes to get students discussing,
reflecting on, and evaluating their own performance
work in relation to safe dance practice and the areas
of study. You can build their vocabulary and ability to
structure an extended response by:
- providing vocabulary, diagrams and mind maps of
concepts on the walls of the dance studio (these can
be constructed by students to facilitate deep
understanding)
- providing structured short-answer questions to be
written in journals
- gradually increasing the complexity of questions
and asking for a physical demonstration as part of
the answer
- creating practical tasks for students that they can
draw on for answers, e.g. construct an appropriate
warm-up as suitable preparation for performing their
core dance
- facilitating group-constructed responses
- providing a classroom environment where students
feel confident to speak, answer and ask questions
and demonstrate in front of their peers

As you draw close to the examination, make time to
“practise”, using sample questions that you can
draw from past examination papers or that can be
constructed by students:
- practise planning the response in 2 minutes
- practise answering in 5 minutes
- practise in front of peers
- practise in front of other teachers or parents
- evaluate how well the answer was structured and
how well the time was used to answer
- video the response for students to self-evaluate

I’m sure that lots of teachers and students have
great strategies that they use in preparing for the viva
voce. Perhaps other people reading this could reply
with their thoughts??

holly m

intention

17-JUN-2004

Even though a core performance dance is based on
technique is it ok if there may be some evidence of
intent, motif or the music as a stimulus for
movement
style? Would markers also be looking for new
movement
and would this come under performance quality?
thanx

Deidhre Wauchop

21-JUN-2004

>Even though a core performance dance is based
on
>technique is it ok if there may be some evidence of
>intent, motif or the music as a stimulus for
>movement
>style? Would markers also be looking for new
>movement
>and would this come under performance quality?
>thanx

Dear Holly
This is an important question because teachers and
students sometimes get confused about the
differences between the core performance “Dance”
and the major performance “Work”. The key
difference is that the major performance “Work” must
be driven by thematic considerations, therefore the
intent of the work, and the interpretation of the work
by the candidate are important.

The core performance “Dance”, on the other hand is
to be a coherent and unified organisation of
technical phrases and sections, but does not have to
be driven by thematic considerations.

So the answer to the first part of your question is that
the dance can have intent, motif, etc but this is not a
prescription. You also need to make sure when you
choreograph the dance that there are sufficient
opportunities for students to demonstrate dance
technique at a high order, relevant to individual
facility.

In answer to the second part of your question, the
performance of new or original movements and
patterns is not part of the criteria for marking. But
your point about the use of interesting and/or highly
personalised movement enhancing performance
quality is certainly a consideration for the
construction of the dance. Students need to show
ability to control and vary the elements of dance and
interesting and varied phrases and sequences will
help them to do this.

Lisa Bannerman

music

17-JUN-2004

When selecting music for the core performance dance,
what sorts of things would you advise us to take into
consideration. For example, the core performance is to
purely exhibit a dancers potential, therefore would a
theme or narrative driven song be appropriate?

Deidhre Wauchop

21-JUN-2004

>When selecting music for the core performance
dance,
>what sorts of things would you advise us to take
into
>consideration. For example, the core performance
is to
>purely exhibit a dancers potential, therefore would a
>theme or narrative driven song be appropriate?

Dear Lisa

You need to select music that fits the time
constraints, that allows for manipulation of space,
time and dynamics and that students will be
stimulated by in their performances.

I don’t think it matters whether the song has a
narrative, or even lyrics, but some of the best music
for this purpose is to be found on soundtracks (film
music) and usually doesn’t have lyrics.

What you do need to be careful about is music that
has a driving and unvaried rhythm (beat, meter) that
doesn’t allow for variation in the timing or dynamic of
the movements performed.

elise frawley

shared core dance?

16-JUN-2004

Just double checking that the core performance dance
can be used by more than one student as long as it
suits their invividual differences.

Deidhre Wauchop

17-JUN-2004

>Just double checking that the core performance
dance
>can be used by more than one student as long as it
>suits their individual differences.

Yes, absolutely!

Rebecca Wilson

Viva Voce

16-JUN-2004

What kind of questions may a student be asked in
the
Viva Voce and how many?

Also, how long should an ideal response be and
should it
be physical as well as verbal?

Deidhre Wauchop

17-JUN-2004

>What kind of questions may a student be asked in
>the
>Viva Voce and how many?
>
>Also, how long should an ideal response be and
>should it
>be physical as well as verbal?

Dear Rebecca

In the viva voce, you will discuss safe dance practice
in relation to your performance. The question will be
drawn from the areas of study in core performance.
In recent years the questions have focused on areas
of study such as alignment, anatomical structure,
injury prevention and body maintenance. The
questions have asked students to discuss these
aspects in relation to the dance they have performed.

The Viva Voce is one question. However, in the past
there have been viva voce questions that have two
parts.

The viva voce is conducted as follows:
After your performance you will be given 3 minutes to
cool down. After one minute you will be given the
question and will have 2 minutes to read the
question and prepare your answer. The examiner
then reads the question to you and you have 5
minutes to answer.

Ideally you should structure your answer during your
preparation time so that you can cover all aspects of
the question within the time limit.

You should always connect your theoretical
understanding to aspects of your performance and
other practical demonstrations. Your physical
demonstration is as important as what you say, so
select relevant demonstrations to illustrate your
answer.

peta

footwear

16-JUN-2004

What should you wear to the examination? (e.g.
footwear: bare feet or ballet shoes)

Deidhre Wauchop

17-JUN-2004

>What should you wear to the examination? (e.g.
>footwear: bare feet or ballet shoes)

Dear Peta

There are some simple guidelines for footwear. The
syllabus states that your footwear should be
appropriate to the performance of dance technique
outlined in core performance. Because the dance
technique you will be performing is based on a
fusion of ballet and modern techniques, it would be
appropriate to perform in bare feet or to wear soft
leather or canvas ballet shoes. Some students wear
toe thongs but examiners have noted that there can
be problems if you haven’t rehearsed well while
wearing them. Whatever you wear, you need to be
confident and well-rehearsed.

Plain, form-fitting dancewear is a requirement of the
syllabus for core performance. You need to wear
leotard and tights, unitard or similar so that
examiners can see the alignment of your body. You
are not allowed to wear a costume for the core
performance examination.

There’s still plenty of time to get used to what you will
be wearing for the exam. Don’t compound any
nerves you might have on the day by wearing things
you don’t feel comfortable in!

Ali

Dancer input

16-JUN-2004

How much is a dancer allowed to add to
choreography? Is
the core performance supposed to be strictly
teacher
choreography or can a dancer have input? Will the
dancer be questioned about this in Viva voce?

Deidhre Wauchop

16-JUN-2004

>How much is a dancer allowed to add to
>choreography? Is
>the core performance supposed to be strictly
>teacher
>choreography or can a dancer have input? Will the
>dancer be questioned about this in Viva voce?

Dear Ali,
The core performance dance can be choreographed
by the teacher in conjunction with students. The
dance will be constructed out of class work (related
to the areas of study in core performance) and it is
quite appropriate for students to have input into the
choreography.

A collaborative approach to constructing the core
performance dance can be especially helpful if the
student is exploring or applying the processes of
composition when they contribute to the
choreography. An example of this might be that the
student manipulates space, time or dynamics in
relation to a phrase or sequence of movement.
Another example where a student might contribute is
in varying or adjusting movement to suit his or her
anatomical structure.

In the viva voce, the student will discuss safe dance
practice in relation to the performance. The question
will be drawn from the areas of study in core
performance. The student will not be questioned
about his or her contribution to the choreography of
the dance.

Joanne and Ashleigh

Unsafe movements

14-JUN-2004

If one of my dancer's has the strength and flexibility
to perform a movement that is potentially unsafe for a
dancer of less ability, is it ok to include this
movement in the core performance for my dancer although
it could be potentially unsafe?

Deidhre Wauchop

15-JUN-2004

If one of my dancer's has the strength and
flexibility
>to perform a movement that is potentially unsafe
for
a
>dancer of less ability, is it ok to include this
>movement in the core performance for my dancer
although
>it could be potentially unsafe?

Dear Joanne and Ashleigh
This is a great question because it can’t be
answered with a straight yes or no!

Core performance marking criteria specify that safe
dance practice must be applied to the Dance
performed. (go to
http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/syllabus_hs
c/
pdf_doc/dance_mark_guide.pdf)

It is through classwork (incorporating all areas of
study) that the core performance Dance is
constructed, which means that the performance is
based on safe dance principles, and is
appropriately
varied for individuals within the group.

Therefore, it makes a lot of sense to avoid
inherently
unsafe movements in the construction of the core
performance dance.

These could include:
-extreme hyperextension of the cervical and
thoracic spine
-sustained and unsupported forward flexion
of the
torso
-weight bearing on misaligned knees (static
or
dynamic)
-uncontrolled neck rotations, particularly full
head
circles
-uncontrolled knee drops and slides
-movements that place an unnecessarily
heavy
load through joints, especially knees, wrists, neck

“Safe” movements can prove potentially unsafe if
performed at excessive speed, with excessive
repetition or ballistic execution.

This is not a definitive list because we could debate
the safety of a range of actions in relation to an
individual dancer’s capacity to perform them. Safe
dance principles must be understood and practised
within the context of the individual dancer. Each
dancer must know his or her own
muscular-skeletal
structure and his or her own strengths and
limitations. Dance teachers should work
collaboratively with individual students to tailor
movement and make corrections. Many of the
dance
movements or sequences performed in a core
performance may be unsafe for a dancer with
limited
control, strength, flexibility or endurance, as you
have
said. The dance performed for the core component
must be suitable for the ability, level of training and
skeletal structure of the individual.

Knowledge and understanding of the body's
capabilities and limitations will assist students to
develop dance technique and perform appropriately
safe combinations, phrases and sequences
relative
to individual anatomical structure.

There is a section on HSC online that deals with
this
topic at
http://www.hsc.csu.edu.au/dance/core/performance/
dance_technique/indiv_diffs/indiv_differences.html

Deidhre Wauchop

09-JUN-2004

Hi, my name is Deidhre Wauchop and I’m the
moderator for this dance forum about CORE
PERFORMANCE.

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for the exam, or the viva voce, or about syllabus
areas of study in performance. Your question might
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Regards
Deidhre Wauchop
Senior Curriculum Adviser/Dance Consultant
Curriculum K-12