This dissertation describes two studies, based on data collection within a pre-existing collegiate course for pre-service teachers in a children's dance setting at a northwest public university. The overall purpose of these experimental studies was to compare traditional movement/dance with the influence of a relevance-based instructional model,…

A model for the holistic preparation of dance teachers is presented. The model includes four tenets: focus on the whole person, integrated curriculum, explicit identity development, and apprenticeships in relevant communities of practice. (Contains 1 figure.)