A Jazz Curriculum Is Born

When James Robey began teaching jazz at the University of Akron (Ohio) in 1996, the job came with a unique challenge–create a technique syllabus. he quickly realized that while ballet and modern techniques were codified and well honed, jazz technique was a different story. So he went to work on a jazz syllabus that would parallel other established techniques. Last July, after 14 years, he finally finished it.

Robey’s Jazz Dance Technique and Syllabus is based on years of experience teaching at the Long Island High School for the Arts, Eastern Connecticut Ballet, The Hartt School, University of Hartford (Connecticut); and Ridgefield (Connecticut) Conservatory of Dance.

The syllabus includes class structure outlines, time-management charts, extensive glossaries, 247 exercise cards with teacher notes, photos of body positions, and even historical dance references. It’s now available at www.robeyjazzdance.com.

The program costs $110 for each level of instruction of $550 for all six.