Course Information
CUA51520
Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance)
Effective from
01-JAN-2026
: Code
C78
This qualification reflects the role of dancers working or aspiring to work in professional dance companies. At this level individuals are expected to apply theory and creative skills in different situations and to display initiative and judgement in planning activities. They have autonomy in performing complex technical operations and can be responsible for planning, coordinating and evaluating the work of others within broad but generally well-defined parameters. WAAPA offers a pathway for classical ballet students to progress their qualifications over three and a half years from Diploma to Advanced Diploma to a Bachelor of Arts degree. The Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) is a one-year, full-time entry level course that develops students' technical and creative skills in the discipline areas of ballet, pointe, pas de deux and solos, contemporary techniques, choreography, dance history, music for dance, anatomy, nutrition and fitness. This course will provide you with intense technical training, and develop artistic expression through practical experience, classes and performance opportunities. Note: Students who have completed C78 who wish to continue their training, may apply to enrol the following year in CUA60120 Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance).
Disclaimer
This course 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. In particular please check the course requirements and the unit and unit set offerings, as these differ according to course delivery location.
Admission requirements
Admission requirement (Band 1)
- Completion of Year 10 or equivalent.
English Language requirement (Band 1)
English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Year 10 English completion or equivalent.
Course Specific Admission Requirements
All applicants are required to attend an audition and interview, to demonstrate competence in at least one dance style equivalent to Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 4 or above. It is desirable that applicants also demonstrate expertise through extensive vocational experience or through graded achievements in various dance styles via dance societies that offer examinations linked to certification levels. Additionally, applicants will normally be turning 16 years of age by 30 June in the year they commence the course. As part of the application process, applicants will be required to complete a language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy skills and competencies review.
Portfolio pathway applications are not accepted for this course.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 5 Diploma Award.
Course Duration
Course Delivery
Non standard timetable requirements
Students may be required to attend evening and weekend rehearsals and performances.
Course Coordinator
Ms Susan PEACOCK
Course Structure
The Training Package rules require 7 Core units plus 10 Elective units.
Year 1 - Semester 1
Solos/Performance | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUAPRF513 | Prepare for and perform in competitive environments |
Year 1 - Semester 2
Solos/Performance | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUAPPR512 | Develop sustainability of own professional practice |
Year 1 - VET Full
Ballet | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUADAN512 | Refine ballet performance skills |
Anatomy and Fitness | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUAWHS413 | Incorporate anatomy principles into skill development |
| CUAWHS511 | Maintain a high level of fitness for performance |
Ballet | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUADAN511 | Refine ballet techniques |
Contemporary | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUADAN515 | Refine contemporary dance techniques |
History | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUAWRT501 | Write about dance |
Improvisation | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUADAN518 | Develop expertise in allied contemporary dance techniques |
Music | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUADLT412 | Explore the relationship between music and dance |
Pas de Deux | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUADAN517 | Refine dance partnering techniques |
Pointe | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUADAN519 | Refine pointe work techniques |
Refine Dance Techniques_Cultural Dance | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUADAN531 | Refine dance techniques |
Solos/Performance | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUADAN513 | Perform repertoire for corps de ballet |
| CUADAN514 | Perform ballet solo variations |
| CUAPRF511 | Refine performance techniques |
Choreography | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUACHR413 | Develop choreography skills |
Movement and Behaviour/Conditioning | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUAWHS411 | Apply movement and behavioural principles to conditioning |
Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)
For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.
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