Course Information
CUA60120
Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance)
Effective from
01-JAN-2026
: Code
C79
This qualification reflects the role of dancers with the technique and talent required to work in professional dance companies, as well as commercial or competition settings. At this level, individuals are expected to apply wide-ranging, highly specialised technical, creative and conceptual skills to express ideas and perspectives required for chosen dance styles. They have autonomy in performing complex operations and can be expected to apply initiative and judgement in planning, design, and technical or management functions. The WAAPA Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) further refines the foundational skills developed in the C78 Course. This one-year, full-time course will continue to prepare you for a professional career in ballet. Classes are at an advanced level, focusing on students' technical and creative skills in the discipline areas of ballet, pointe, pas de deux and solos, contemporary techniques, choreography, dance history, 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 third year of training that allows ballet-focused students to graduate with a Bachelor's degree. In this instance an audition may not be required.
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. 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. 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
Performance | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUAMUP511 | Apply theatrical make-up and hairstyles |
Year 1 - VET Full
Ballet | Unit Code | Unit Title |
| CUADAN531 | Refine dance techniques |
| 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 |
| CUAWHS511 | Maintain a high level of fitness for performance |
| 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 |
Note: Some students may have completed CUADAN531 and CUAWHS511 in the Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance)
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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