Program Overview

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CUA51520 Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance)

The CUA51520 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.

About this Course

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 judgment 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 well-defined parameters.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 5 Diploma Award.

Course Code

C78

Entry Requirements

ECU admission and English language requirements apply. See Course Entry for further information.

Admissions

ECU admission profile

Fees

See Fees and Scholarships for further information.

Duration

1 year full-time

Availability & Campus

This course is not available to all students. To discuss your options, please make an enquiry.

Timetable

This course has a modified timetable. See Course Notes.

Course Entry

Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.

Academic Admission Requirements (Band 1)

Academic admission requirements (Band 1) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• Completion of Year 10 or equivalent. Requirements from 01-JUL-2026:
  • All applicants are required to attend an audition, where they must 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.
  • Should additional training or background information be required, applicants will be invited to interview.
  • 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.

English Language Requirements (Band 1)

English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• Year 10 English completion or equivalent.

Course Details

Semester Availability

This course is not available to all students. To discuss your options, please make an enquiry.

Course Structure

The Training Package rules require 7 Core units plus 10 Elective units.

Year 1 - Semester 1

• Solos/Performance Unit Code: CUAPRF513
• Unit Title: Prepare for and perform in competitive environments

Year 1 - Semester 2

• Solos/Performance Unit Code: CUAPPR512
• Unit Title: Develop sustainability of own professional practice

Year 1 - VET Full

• Ballet Unit Code: CUADAN512
• Unit Title: Refine ballet performance skills
• Anatomy and Fitness Unit Code: CUAWHS413
• Unit Title: Incorporate anatomy principles into skill development
• CUAWHS511
• Unit Title: Maintain a high level of fitness for performance
• Ballet Unit Code: CUADAN511
• Unit Title: Refine ballet techniques
• Contemporary Unit Code: CUADAN515
• Unit Title: Refine contemporary dance techniques
• History Unit Code: CUAWRT501
• Unit Title: Write about dance
• Improvisation Unit Code: CUADAN518
• Unit Title: Develop expertise in allied contemporary dance techniques
• Music Unit Code: CUADLT412
• Unit Title: Explore the relationship between music and dance
• Pas de Deux Unit Code: CUADAN517
• Unit Title: Refine dance partnering techniques
• Pointe Unit Code: CUADAN519
• Unit Title: Refine pointe work techniques
• Refine Dance Techniques_Cultural Dance Unit Code: CUADAN531
• Unit Title: Refine dance techniques
• Solos/Performance Unit Code: CUADAN513
• Unit Title: Perform repertoire for corps de ballet
• CUADAN514
• Unit Title: Perform ballet solo variations
• CUAPRF511
• Unit Title: Refine performance techniques
• Choreography Unit Code: CUACHR413
• Unit Title: Develop choreography skills
• Movement and Behaviour/Conditioning Unit Code: CUAWHS411
• Unit Title: Apply movement and behavioural principles to conditioning

Career Opportunities

The job roles that relate to this qualification may include dancer (pre-professional level). The WAAPA C78 course prepares the talented dance artist for the demands of work in mainstream Australian and overseas ballet and/or dance companies. It provides intense practical experience, developing strong technique and artistry through classes and performance opportunities.

Courses You Can Consider If You Are Interested in Progressing Further in This Area

• Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance)
  • Students who are completing C78 and who wish to continue their training, may apply to audition for the C79 Course, CUA60120 Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance).
• Bachelor of Arts (Dance)
  • Students who are completing the C78 may apply to audition for the T73 Bachelor of Arts (Dance).