by bringing dancers away from a traditional ballet barre and onto the floor to do their dance training exercises. By taking the effort of standing out of the equation, Rommett's technique took the weight-bearing pressure off the ankles, knees, and hips. Rommett's application of ballet barre exercises performed using the floor as the source of support became known as the Floor-Barre, the first approach of its kind. 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." Rommett and her daughter, Camille Rommett, began offering annual teacher certification courses in 1998 and today her Floor-Barre Technique continues throughout the world by devoted teachers who have been certified to teach Rommett's technique. In 2006 Floor-Barre was trademarked. Camille Rommett continues Rommett's work as the Executive Director of the Zena Rommett Floor-Barre Foundation and orchestrates two Floor-Barre certification courses each summer in Europe and New York City. Notable students Rommett's teaching style drew students from all over the world. Rommett's students were dancers, musical theatre artists, athletes and non-dancers. Some notable students of Zena Rommett were Melissa Hayden, Tommy Tune, Patrick Swayze, Judith Jamison, Lar Lubovitch, John Curry, and Ulysses Dove. Ms. Hayden and Ms. Jamison have said that Rommett's Floor-Barre was critical to their rehabilitation following severe injuries. 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. References 1920 births 2010 deaths American female dancers American dancers Italian emigrants to the United States 21st-century American women