James Robey writes syllabus on jazz dance

Ridgefield dancer, teacher and author James Robey has released his Jazz Dance Technique & Syllabus.

Mr. Robey has worked on the publication for the past 14 years and, while it has been shared informally with teachers in Canada and the United States for the past 10 years, this is its formal release to the public.

The project began in 1996 when Mr. Robey inherited the faculty position in jazz dance at the University of Akron Dance Department from his mentor Priscilla Wagner. With the position came the challenge of creating his own syllabus.

“At that time, I found that most ballet and modern techniques were codified and well honed but most jazz dance techniques were not,” said Mr. Robey. “So, I began developing and creating a technique and syllabus for jazz dance that would parallel other serious techniques.”

Over the years, he said, he worked worked closely with his brother, Jason Robey, “whose expertise as Director of Athletic Training Services for Appalachian State University was vital in designing a technique in line with the latest in physical training techniques.”

Mr. Robey holds a bachelor of fine arts in dance from the University of Akron, a master of fine arts in dance from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and is a two-time finalist in the Leo’s Choreography Competitive event at the Jazz Dance World Congress. He has more than 20 years of teaching experience and 10 years of professional performance experience.

He is founding artistic director of James Robey Dance and director of the Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance.

For more information about the syllabus, visit www.robeyjazzdance.com.