Zena Rommett's Floor Barre Technique

In the previous post, I wrote about Alvin Ailey dancer, Renee Robinson, who swears by Zena Rommett's Floor Barre Technique, and wanted to delve into more detail about it. Zena, a ballerina who also danced on Broadway, started this technique in 1968, and it is still going strong today.

According to the website, "By utilizing the floor, and without the stress of gravity associated with ‘standing’ at the ballet barre, dancers learn to align their bodies, lengthen their muscles, strengthen their joints, and fine-tune their movements. Floor-Barre® makes it possible for dancers to execute classical ballet movements with principles of alignment which are anatomically correct, and by using only the appropriate muscles...Over the past 50 years, Zena Rommett has earned the respect of the medical profession as a pioneer in injury prevention and rehabilitation."

Anyone can get certified, and the next certification seminar will take place this August in NYC. For more information, visit http://www.floor-barre.org/Floor-Barre/CERTIFICATION.html

This video is a great overview of what the technique is all about.


Here is an excerpt from one of the DVD's, which can be purchased on the website.

How to Take Care of Your Dancing Body

Renee Robinson, who in her 40s is still dancing and performing with Alvin Ailey, keeps her body in top condition by using Zena Rommett's Floor Barre technique, Gyrotonics, juicing, and eating a very healthy diet of whole foods, fruits and vegetables. In this article from Dance Magazine, Technique My Way, she delves into her daily routine, which can help dancers of all ages learn how to take care of their bodies so they last for an entire career, and not just a rehearsal.  

In the article, Renee says she enjoys Zena Rommet's Floor Barre because "lying down relieves so much pressure and helps you avoid gripping while you work correct alignment." For her, Pilates made her body tighter, although she suggests that dancers try different exercise methods to find the one that works for them. She also recommends regular cardio exercising, which helps especially for "stamina-intensive" ballets. And there again, she has created own regimen, adjusting for her age and what her body at 40 can handle.

Renee places a lot of value upon really being in-tune with your body, saying that young dancers have a tendency to not listen to their bodies and take the time to reflect. Lastly, she says there is nothing more important than a good nights' sleep!