Scene from ‘Behind the Barre’
Most meeting and event planners are challenged to squeeze in a workout. Along with juggling a jam-packed office schedule, they frequently travel, resulting in a lot of hotel stays and difficulty finding time to exercise. However, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts has just taken a step toward resolving this dilemma.
In a new partnership with The Joffrey Ballet, the hotel brand launched Behind the Barre on Aug. 3. The video series of ballet-centric workouts will be available on demand to Marriott guests around the world. It uses customized barre class videos, suitable for any fitness level and compatible with the confines of a hotel room. The moves are inspired by three major wellness states: calm, balance and invigorate.
“Guests of JW Marriott are always seeking new and innovative ways to stay active while on the road,” said Christy Donato, vice president of global brand management for JW Marriott. “Our partnership with the Joffrey Ballet provides an elevated fitness experience that goes beyond the traditional in-room workout, allowing our guests to tailor their fitness routine to best fit their travel schedule.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32cK5DEbJcs
The videos, filmed at the recently opened JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa in Mexico, showcase Joffrey’s professional ballet dancers as they participate in challenging workouts. Exercises involve a full-body barre method, core strengthening and stretching. Still, the videos are meant to maintain a fun spirit—they are filmed in hotels, after all.
This initiative marks the second time that the luxury hotel and the ballet company have partnered. In 2014, they collaborated on Poise and Grace, an internal training resource meant to incorporate the gracefulness of ballet into the staff’s everyday routine (and thus enhance the guest experience). Behind the Barre is the first guest-facing venture.
“We’re thrilled to partner once again with JW Marriott on the Behind the Barre video training series,” said Ashley Wheater, artistic director of the Joffrey Ballet. “The benefits of ballet go far beyond the barre to promote discipline and self-confidence, and can enhance any fitness plan. We’re honored to continue our partnership with JW Marriott and share Joffrey’s world-class training with hotel guests in the around the world.”
The program has already been implemented at the newly renovated JW Marriott Essex House in New York City. It will continue to roll out in select JW Marriott hotels this fall.
