Zena Rommett

Zena Rommett (born Angelina Buttignol; May 19, 1920 – November 10, 2010) was an Italian-born American dancer, teacher, and originator of the Zena Rommett Floor-Barre and Ballet Technique.

Early life Zena Rommett was born Angelina Buttignol on May 19, 1920, in the Veneto Region, Italy and immigrated to America with her mother in 1925. Zena's father, Antonio, had immigrated to America two years earlier. The family settled together in Elmsford, New York. Rommett later said that "when you work in parallel on the floor, the connection of the ankle to knee to hip is so correct that the leg remains aligned when you turn out again" and cautioned that "it must be done meticulously to be effective." Floor-Barre enables the practitioner to efficiently and effectively strengthen joints and muscles, correct alignment, release tension, and prevent and rehabilitate injuries. Known for her "patient, persuasive, and quiet voice," Rommett's quiet directed movements create a rhythmic flow which stills and focuses the mind and centers the body. This technique facilitates the development of beautiful lines, smooth transition and fluidity of movement. "What I do," said Rommett, "is define, refine, and fine-tune movements so that they can be performed more correctly and easily. The muscles become lengthened and strengthened, and energy is not dissipated but directed. It all comes from the basics taught in a pure manner."

Family Rommett was married to artist Alexis Nicoli Romanovich. They had two daughters, Melissa Romanovich and Camille Rommett Mouquinho. Zena's husband died in 1968. Robert Joffrey gave Zena the surname Rommett in 1965. Some other family members also adopted the surname Rommett.

Final years Rommett taught Floor Barre classes at Steps Studio in New York up until three months before her death. On November 10, 2010, Rommett died of cancer at the age of 90.