Abstract
This study aims to define Early Formal Education teacher competence in the learning of dance art in kindergarten in Malang. This study uses a descriptive design with quantitative and qualitative approaches. The population is kindergarten teachers in Malang. The sample uses a proportional random sampling technique that amounted to 15 kindergarten teachers from five sub-districts in Malang, each sub-district represented three teachers from different kindergartens. The data collection technique used a questionnaire. The results show that the level of kindergarten teachers’ understanding in Malang of the Early Formal Education teacher’s competence required in the learning of dance art is in a good category; however, contrary to the reality in the field, the problem of early childhood dance learning lies in the lack of pedagogical competence, personality and teacher professionalism. Teaching requires intense and sustained training to improve dance learning competence. The conclusion is that the competence of Early Formal Education teachers in the learning of dance art in kindergarten in Malang is still lacking.