IADMS New York 2002   [back to the Category]

The Zena Rommett Floor-Barre and Ballet Technique®   [read the french version]

Author :   Zena Rommett, Camille Rommett

The Zena Rommett Floor-Barre and Ballet Technique®

Zena Rommett, Camille Rommett
Zena Rommett Dance Foundation
New York, New York, USA



For over 45 years, Zena Rommett has quietly led the next evolutionary step in body improvement training and technique refinement. Floor-Barre™ combines classical ballet with anatomical principles of alignment and kinetic usage. Utilizing the floor, without the pressure of gravity, Floor-Barre™ strengthens and properly corrects the placement of the pelvis, hips and back. Based on ballet, Floor-Barre™ lengthens the muscles, toning hips and legs, creating long exquisite lines. The technique develops maximum extension and turn-out (outward rotation of the legs from the hips), and strengthens the musculature and joints, while releasing tension throughout the body. Investigation and particular emphasis will be placed on issues of correct placement.

Participants: The primary audience is students, dance instructors/educators, medical and physical practitioners specializing in the needs of dancers and other athletes.

Purpose: The participants will be able to experience and understand the principals and body mechanics of Floor-Barre™, as the mind and body are concentrated and engaged to work together. This correlates beyond the Floor-Barre™ physical benefits of correct body placement and alignment, creating a link to the elements of correct transition, fluidity, and increased energy and artistry expression. This session will follow with a question and answer period.

Approach: Participants will do safely executed movements, similar to what one would do in classical ballet barre, while lying on the floor, with careful guidance and precise instruction by Zena Rommett. Dancewear or workout clothing (not too loose-fitting) is recommended. Bring a towel, if desired.

Relevance: A movement session will be presented by Zena Rommett, originator of The Zena Rommett Floor-Barre Technique®, designed to refine ballet training, prevent and rehabilitate injuries. As the source and creator, Zena Rommett will offer her insights and teachings to familiarize attendees with the principals and body mechanics of Floor-Barre™ .

Parallel to the advancement of dance medicine is a growing awareness among doctors of the benefits in utilizing body therapy alternatives, such as Floor-Barre™. As a pioneer in injury prevention and rehabilitation, Zena Rommett has for over four decades enhanced the research for educational information available to dancers seeking ways to perfect their technique for extended, injury free careers.