James Robey, MFA, is assistant professor of dance and department chair at Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, where he received the Messing Faculty Award in 2015. He was director of the prestigious Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance for 10 years, during which he also created the Robey Jazz Dance Technique and Syllabus. He has taught as faculty or adjunct faculty at numerous universities, schools for the performing arts, and dance studios.

Robey was artistic director and company artist for James Robey Dance for 14 years. He has danced for many companies, beginning his dance career in 1990. He has also acted as choreographer for numerous ballets and dance ensembles over the years, and he has presented at conferences and written numerous articles on jazz dance and related topics.

Robey is on the board of directors of the American College Dance Association and is a member of the National Dance Education Organization, National Association of Schools of Dance, and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.

Chapter 1. Introduction to Jazz Dance
Defining Jazz Dance
Benefits of Studying Jazz Dance
Jazz Class Expectations and Etiquette
Summary

Chapter 2. Preparing for Class
Dressing for Class
Attire for Women
Carrying Dance Gear
Preparing Yourself Mentally and Physically
Jazz Dance Class Structure
Roles of the Teacher, Musician, and Students
Summary

Chapter 3. Safety and Health
Studio Safety
Personal Safety
Basic Anatomy and Kinesiology
Preventing and Treating Common Dance Injuries
Nutrition, Hydration, and Rest
Summary

Chapter 4. Learning and Performing Jazz Technique
Learning Movement Technique
Analyzing Movement Skills
Honing Musicality and Rhythmic Skills
Enhancing Performance in Class
Developing a Performance Attitude
Summary

Chapter 5. Basic Jazz Positions
Body Alignment
Positions of the Feet
Positions of the Arms
Hand Positions
Positions of the Body
Studio and Stage Directions
Summary

Chapter 6. Basic Jazz Techniques
Getting Started
Basic Warm-Up Techniques \7 videos\
Basic Isolation Techniques \7 videos\
Basic Coordination Techniques\7 videos\
Basic Conditioning Techniques \15-18 videos\
Summary

Chapter 7. In the Center and Across the Floor
Exercises in the Center
Exercises Across the Floor
Types of Combinations
Summary

Chapter 8 .History of Jazz Dance
Development of Jazz Dance as a Performing Art
Jazz Dance Forms and Styles
Viewing Jazz Dance Performances
Summary