JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts has launched “Poise and Grace,” a series of inspirational video training tutorials to inspire the staff to develop their natural confidence, poise and grace.

The tutorials will be led by Ashley Wheater, artistic director of The Joffrey Ballet.

The training series includes exclusive content and tailored instruction that teaches staff how to incorporate the foundations of dance into everyday guest interaction, a statement said.

“Poise and posture are globally recognised cultural cues that reflect the care and dedication our associates provide in every service interaction,” said Mitzi Gaskins, vice president and global brand manager of JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts.

Featuring Wheater and JW Marriott associates, the videos focus on the importance of warming up, proper breathing, flow of movement and connecting to the audience while emphasising the importance of both verbal and visual cues including posture, squaring one’s shoulders and two-handed delivery and engagement techniques, it said.

Videos are typically shown during daily rehearsal – a team stand-up meeting where associates focus on the hotel’s unique service culture and discuss the business of the day.  Videos are inspirational and flexible, not prescriptive, and can occur one-on-one, in a group setting or even during a hotel-wide meeting.  Associates can also access content via a web-based app called ‘Orchestr8’, which allows hotels to share with one another how they have orchestrated exceptional guest experiences, the statement said.

The new programme will be deployed across all 68 JW Marriott properties in 26 countries.

“We are proud to partner with JW Marriott on the poise and grace video training series,” said Wheater. “Ballet technique breeds discipline, self-confidence and a genuine interaction between people. Dancers epitomise poise and grace, and this program is a wonderful way to both celebrate our brand partnership and enhance the JW Marriott guest experience.”

The JW Marriott Chicago served as the host hotel for the creation of the poise and grace videos due to its longstanding relationship with The Joffrey Ballet and its standing as number one in guest satisfaction among JW Marriott properties in the last two years. – TradeArabia News Service