The Joffrey Ballet Teaches JW Marriott Staff the Subtleties of Luxury Service
Photo Credit: Joffrey Ballet artistic director Ashley Wheater (center) teaches the finer points of a proper handshake. JW Marriott Hotels
Skift Take
JW Marriott finds a unique way to teach its global staff the more subjective aspects of delivering luxury service by emulating the body movements, mental focus, and self awareness of ballet dancers.
JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts is officially announcing the brand-wide rollout today of its "Poise & Grace" staff training program, designed in partnership with Chicago's renowned Joffrey Ballet.
The dance company produced a series of videos focusing on four core behaviors that professional dancers must master to perform flawlessly on stage: Warming Up, Proper Breathing, Flow of Movement and Connecting to the Audience.
The intent here is that front- and back-of-the-house staff at JW Marriott's 68 hotels in 26 countries can also perform their roles better by practicing the same basic routines that some of the world's best dancers go through.
"One of the most important things of the luxury experience from a guest perspective is being able to demonstrate poise and grace as part of the service style," says Mitzi Gaskins, VP/global brand manager of JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts. "Our associ
