Abstract

Aerobic dance is one of the most popular forms of exercise in Malaysia, engaging all major muscle groups in the body, unlike activities such as running and cycling, which primarily involve the lower body. Due to the complexity of aerobic dance, instructors require not only fundamental skills in music and movement but also advanced competencies such as leadership, communication, and positive personality traits to ensure classes are safe, enjoyable, and motivating. Therefore, aerobic dance instructors must be versatile in delivering effective and engaging sessions.  This study aimed to examine the relationship between leadership and personality traits on teaching efficacy among aerobic dance instructors. A total of 138 aerobic dance instructors under the supervision of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia (KBS) participated by responding to an online questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using stepwise multiple regression. The findings revealed that two of the Big Five personality traits, extroversion and conscientiousness, significantly predicted teacher efficacy beliefs. Specifically, extroversion emerged as the strongest predictor of classroom management, while conscientiousness was the most significant predictor of instructional strategies and student engagement.  The study concludes that personality traits play an important role in enhancing teaching efficacy among aerobic dance instructors. These findings provide valuable pedagogical implications and serve as a useful reference for improving the quality and competency of aerobic dance instructors under the supervision of KBS, ultimately contributing to better well-being and a more active lifestyle within the Malaysian community. Aerobic dance instructors are encouraged to actively integrate interpersonal skills into their teaching and learning processes to enhance their professional effectiveness.