AS 91207 A annotated exemplars

This annotated exemplar is intended for teacher use only. Annotated exemplars are extracts of student evidence, with commentary, that explain key parts of a standard. These help teachers make assessment judgements at the grade boundaries.

Download all exemplars and commentary [PDF, 155 KB]

TKI Dance assessment resources (external link)

For Achieved, the student needs to perform an ethnic or social dance to communicate understanding of the style.

This involves recalling and reproducing the dance in accordance with the demonstration or description used as a basis for the dance style. For example, the dancer can perform the movement without watching other dancers.

The student has presented a Samoan sāsā performance with generally accurate recall of the dance and an ability to perform the movement in accordance with the style. The student is able to reproduce the choreography without relying on other dancers, showing sufficient knowledge of the dance despite a few minor hesitations.

There is evidence of generally upright posture in the upper body and the use of both clear straight shapes and softer shapes where the choreography requires them. Timing is mostly correct, although some definition in the arm shapes is occasionally lost.

Focus is lifted and directed outward for much of the performance, supporting the stylistic intention of the dance. While the sense of happiness expected in the style appears inconsistently, the student demonstrates moments of appropriate expression, particularly in the opening section. Energy is evident, although it wavers toward the end of the routine. The performance also shows respect for the cultural context, reflecting an understanding of the pride associated with presenting this style.

For Merit, the student would need to show further depth of understanding which would include ensuring expression is consistent, head movements are accurate and movements are made larger to fully support the energy and clarity required by the style. Focus needs to be on hands/arm movements to show appropriate understanding of the style and accurate performance skill.

For Merit, the student needs to perform an ethnic or social dance to communicate an in-depth understanding of the style. This involves demonstrating:

• clarity of movement
• appropriate posture for the dance style
• appropriate focus for the style
• generally accurate timing
• appropriate sense of rhythm or musicality.

This evidence meets Merit criteria, showing confident recall of the choreography and in-depth understanding of the stylistic features for this Kapa Rima (Cook Islands) dance style.

The student has reproduced the movement with appropriate posture, focus and timing. There is evidence of expressive movement quality and stylistic authenticity. She is engaged in the performance throughout, expressing enjoyment and grace. Musicality is evident, with the student maintaining accurate timing and an appropriate sense of rhythm.

To reach Excellence, fuller range and definition of some shapes is needed and even more fluidity through the body and hips. At times, shoulder lines and arm movements require more extension to accurately reflect the requirements of the style. Sometimes, elbows are slightly bent or the wrists not fully stretched. Extending fully through the fingertips and maintaining strength through the whole arm would improve clarity.

Energy is consistent for most of the performance, although a few phrases would benefit from a clearer sense of dynamic contrast and differentiation (e.g. between the flowing and bound/percussive energy qualities), and dropping the eye line should be avoided.

While the performance does not yet demonstrate the detailed articulation or expansive range required for Excellence (e.g. the incomplete extension of arm lines), the student shows solid technical execution and stylistic awareness to clearly meet Merit criteria.

For Excellence, the student needs to perform an ethnic or social dance to communicate a comprehensive understanding of the style.

This involves displaying details of the style (e.g. defined hand and head movements) and conveying the emotional content of the style.

The student shows comprehensive understanding of this Kapa Rima (Cook Islands) dance style. The performance clearly fulfils the Excellence criteria with a consistently high level of technical and expressive control which is confidently executed. The evidence demonstrates use of a range of movement vocabulary, smooth changes in direction, and well-executed grounded, weighted steps alongside lifted, expansive arm gestures.

Throughout the performance the timing is precise. Spatial awareness is evident in the clarity of pathways and smooth formation changes. The dancer demonstrates full breadth and range of movement with fluidity through the knees and body. Her knees are bent consistently from beginning to end. This groundedness allows the swaying of the hips to be evident and controlled throughout the performance. The details of the dance are also seen, with the dancer able to show the subtle contrasts in timing, accents and dynamics.

The stylistic features of Cook Islands dance are strongly embodied, with fluid wrist articulations and accurately executed head movements that follow the directional intention of the choreography. These details are performed with polish and accuracy, demonstrating high technical competence. The student maintains expression throughout, delivering a gentle, elegant and effortless performance using facial expressions, upper-body softness and rhythmic energy to convey cultural pride and authenticity.

Kapa Rima translates to hand/action dance in English, one of many Cook Island dance items generally performed. This dance needs to match the lyrics or the way the song is being sung, which is exemplified by this student.

Energy qualities are sustained and appropriate. The performance is engaging and expressive, and strongly meets Excellence criteria for this standard with technical competency and comprehensive understanding of the style consistently evident.