Course Information
CUA60120
Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance)
Effective from
01-JUL-2026
: Code
C79
The CUA60120 Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) further refines the skills developed in the Diploma (CUA51520) and continues to prepare you for a professional career in ballet. Classes are at an advanced level, focusing on your technical and creative skills in the discipline areas of ballet technique and performance, pointe work, pas de deux, solos, contemporary techniques, choreography, dance history, dance teaching, fitness, and performance psychology. This course provides you with intense technical training and develops artistic expression through practical experience, classes, and performance opportunities.
Note: Following successful completion of the ECU C79 course, current students may apply for the T73, Bachelor of Arts (Dance) for a further 18 months of training that allows ballet-focused students to graduate with a Bachelor's degree.
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
Requirements from 01-JUL-2026: All applicants are required to attend an audition. During the audition, applicants must demonstrate competence in at least one dance style equivalent to Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 5 or above. It is desirable that applicants also demonstrate dance expertise through extensive vocational experience or through graded achievements in various dance styles via dance societies that conduct examinations linked to certification levels. Should any additional information be required, applicants may be invited to interview. Additionally, applicants will normally be turning 17 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 6 Advanced 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 4 Core units plus 14 Elective units.
Year 1 - Semester 1
Dance Teaching | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUADTM431 | Design and conduct dance learning program |
Year 1 - Semester 2
Make Up | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUAMUP511 | Apply theatrical make-up and hairstyles |
Year 1 - VET Full
Ballet | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUADAN613 | Extend ballet techniques to a professional level |
Choreography | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUACHR511 | Create and perform complex dance pieces |
| CUAMPF612 | Manage stagecraft aspects of performances |
Contemporary | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUADAN617 | Extend dance techniques to a professional level |
Dance History | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUARES501 | Refine conceptual understanding of dance |
Fitness | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUAWHS611 | Apply advanced gym and weight training to dance |
Improvisation | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUAPPR615 | Evolve ideas for professional creative work |
Pas de Deux | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUADAN615 | Perform pas de deux at a professional level |
Performance | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUADAN631 | Perform dance repertoire at a professional level |
Performance Psychology | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUAWHS612 | Develop strategies for maintaining resilience in a competitive environment |
Pointe | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUADAN616 | Extend pointe work techniques to a professional level |
Repertoire | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUADAN618 | Extend contemporary dance performance skills to a professional level |
| CUADAN621 | Perform virtuoso contemporary dance techniques |
Solos/Repertoire | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUADAN614 | Extend ballet performance skills to a professional level |
Ballet/Cultural Dance | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUADAN619 | Extend cultural dance performance skills to a professional level |
Dance Technique | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUADAN531 # | Refine dance techniques |
Fitness (Diploma) | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUAWHS511 # | Maintain a high level of fitness for performance |
Note: Some students may have completed CUADAN531 and CUAWHS511 in the Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance)
# Designated Unit - a Unit or Unit of Competency which a School has designated as a fundamental course requirement and may only be attempted once unless otherwise determined by the School Progression Panel.
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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