Melinda Jackson, Mentor

I first met Zena Rommett as a young, professional dancer, recovering from double knee surgery. Although I was only a teenager, I had already been working for several years in 3 different European Ballet companies. After the first class with Zena, she took me aside and told me, “Oh God! You’re all over the place! You’ve got so much work to do. You better get down on the floor!” This began a journey that still continues several decades later. Zena’s training, wisdom and guidance, with her insistence on honest, clear and clean articulation and quality became the core of rebuilding my technique and getting me back on stage. I owe my extraordinary longevity as a dancer to Zena’s mentorship, guidance and tough love. Without her, my career probably would have ended decades ago. I am forever grateful and so fortunate for the hours and hours of private time she unselfishly spent with me. And I am delighted and honored to be able to pass on her magnificent legacy.