Russell Geyser is the new CEO of Break the Floor Productions. But the sexual climate behind closed doors is deplorable to me. His mental health deteriorated. Dancer Isla Clarke, seen here performing in June 2021, alleges she was propositioned for sex by a choreographer nearly twice her age when she competed at a Break the Floor dance competition at age 16. The problems date back to the founding of Los Angeles-based Break The Floor Productions; as the company has grown into an industry powerhouse, its leaders perpetuated a culture . What if we plan on it and they are cancelled again? The company currently specializes in the Entertainment area. Break The Floor Productions. On planes, Meismer would grope him in his seat, Hudson alleges. An ongoing investigation by the Star in partnership with the AP now has uncovered alleged sexual misconduct that stretches back to the dance companys early years, and involves Stroming himself. He was a teen in 2004, assisting a successful tap dancer named Danny Wallace, who wasnt with Break the Floor at the time, but would go on to run one of its subsidiary conventions. How much do Break The Floor Productions employees make? <style>.g-image--loading{display:none;}</style> Marci A. Hamilton, a University of Pennsylvania professor who founded CHILD USA and is the author of Justice Denied: What America Must Do to Protect its Children, said dance is one of the last forums where adults have unsupervised access to younger students. At Floor Productions we deliver best-in-class quality with the industries' best time-to-market project completion. The creative type? Break The Floor Productions. Email. But behind the bright lights and pulsing music, some dancers say they were sexually assaulted, harassed and manipulated by the companys powerful founder and famous teachers and choreographers, according to a joint investigation by The Associated Press and the Toronto Star. Meismer shushed him, he remembers, warning that someone was asleep in a nearby room. As for the other allegation from the then 16-year-old, Gabriel denied sending the photo, saying he would never engage in inappropriate behavior that would ever lead to sending something like this" to a teen. Headquarters Regions Greater Los Angeles Area, West Coast, Western US. At her first company event, when she was 17, she and Stroming had oral sex, she said. A post shared by Travis Wall (@traviswall). I could feel the relationship change because I basically rejected the offer. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a298e5fcfbebcbd Stroming picked up Lazzarini at the height of his fame to join the convention circuit, teaching hundreds of thousands of aspiring young dancers. It was discussed by everyone, but was talked about as more of an inconvenience than something that absolutely should never have been happening in the first place. Any claims to the contrary are simply untrue., Nick Lazzarini: My Apology and Promise to Do Better. Of the eight allegations made, Wall is only implicated in the one featured in this article- and it happened nearly fourteen years ago. At Break the Floor Productions, we are committed to creating a dance culture rooted in excellence and focused on the well-being of our dancers and staff. Thank you. Every year, one of the world's leading dance competition companies sells the dream of Hollywood fame to hundreds of thousands of ambitious young dancers hoping to launch careers on television, in movies and on stage. I would not have stayed silent, said Wendy in a phone interview with the Star. Lonetree alleges Hicks later confronted him, took off Lonetrees headset, and told him to take a walk and come back with the answer I want. Hicks strenuously denies saying this and denies removing Lonetrees headset. In a written statement, he told the AP and Star, I have been very upfront that when I first started the company at 19, over 20 years ago, there were issues of inappropriateness. He didnt respond to the specific allegations. At the New York event in 2012, Clarke said she turned down Lazzarinis request to join him in his hotel room. I just didnt know myself enough to understand how harmful it was, Hudson said. 15 reviews. A year or so later, shortly after her 18th birthday, Stroming flew the dancer to New York, where he told her he had lined up potentially career-launching dance auditions, she says. Many students endured inappropriate sexual advances or comments from their instructors, Uchida said. While not all of the complainants in this story were involved with Break the Floor at the time of the alleged incidents, the instructors and executives accused of wrongdoing have played key roles in growing the companys revenue and popularity. Still, he accepted a sought-after opportunity to assist Meismer as they toured various studios and conventions together. Reviews from Break The Floor Productions employees about Break The Floor Productions culture, salaries, benefits, work-life balance, management, job security, and more. Lazzarini denies subjecting anyone to unwanted sexual advances. Attendees squeeze into small ballrooms where choreographers teach classes. Russell is known for a high level of professionalism in the entertainment industry. Dancers can take workshop classes at home or the studio may organize a watch and dance party at their studio. About two decades ago, when she was a dance teacher accompanying her students to a Break the Floor event, she said she refused Stromings $500 offer to join him in his hotel room. National News | Break the Floor helped launch his career, but an alleged assault by one of its star dancers continues to haunt him. But the sexual climate behind closed doors is deplorable to me. I totally feel like I was a headache [for Stroming], Lonetree said. He is no longer with the company, according to Break The Floor. Break the Floors reach extends across the entertainment industry to some of the biggest names in music, television and social media. In the next week, we will be releasing an FAQ that will deal with all other questions. Marci A. Hamilton, a University of Pennsylvania professor who founded CHILD USA and is the author of Justice Denied: What America Must Do to Protect its Children, said dance is one of the last forums where adults have unsupervised access to younger students. But he was uncomfortable when a dance teacher, Mark Meismer, in his early 30s, repeatedly told him how attractive he was. Hamilton also said perpetrators in many youth-focused organizations use hotel rooms away from home to exploit the power imbalance between teachers and students. The new owner, Russell Geyser, said the allegations have nothing to do with the current company, and that people involved with purported misconduct no longer work for Break The Floor. 5446 Satsuma Ave, N Hollywood, California, 91601, United States. The biggest problem facing the dance industry (and everything, quite frankly) is uncertainty. Gabriel, when asked about Maples accusation, said in a written statement that he had been drinking heavily that night to control fears about serious health problems in his family. I then felt very embarrassed. june 24-july 1. the venetian/palazzo. For aspiring young dancers like Clarke, the companys events are an almost mandatory stop if they want to pursue dancing professionally. Upload your resume. Which in fact, he wasnt, Hudson said in his video, viewed over 6,300 times. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $(document).ready(function() {\n $('.SA_response-container').click(function() {\n $('.SA_hidden', this).toggle();\n });\n });\n ","wallHtmlBody":". He apologized and said he himself was a victim of abuse as a teen, and that his texts to Maples were a one time ever brief exchange.. We could have and should have done better, he said. Teens who win titles at BTF events are invited back to work on the convention circuit as dance assistants for choreographers on the BTF roster, known internally as faculty.. Nico Lonetree (left) and Myles Lavallee are among eight dancers who allege they were subjected to sexual harassment or predatory behaviour from staff of the prominent dance company, Break the Floor. I dont think I was aware of how manipulated I was and how easy it was for (Lazzarini) to take advantage of the situation, Lindsey said. Sign in. The Company encompasses dance workshops, competitions, touring theatrical and video . Hudson said he was optimistic. Lavallee said they exchanged numbers, and over a few texts and calls, he agreed to become Walls dance assistant. In dance studios, Hudson says Meismer would guide him into bathroom stalls for oral sex. Operator of dance entertainment company committed to creating a dance culture. He called me his convention boyfriend, recalled Hudson. This will be a real. Get the latest business insights from Dun & Bradstreet. Each of them has since left the company amid allegations of sexual misconduct. Operating Status Active. Once you get a positive response, make sure to find out about the interview process at Break The Floor Productions and prepare for tough questions. Lonetree was 19. But during a 2020 in-house training, a recording of which was reviewed by the AP and Star, Stroming addressed his own past misconduct. A year later, Hudson stayed with Meismer when he joined Break The Floors fledgling NUVO convention as part of its original lineup of instructors. And five dancers are suing former Boston Ballet star Dusty Button and her husband, alleging sexual abuse and assault. with photos from Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images, The Toronto Star and thestar.com, each property of Toronto Star Meismer didn't respond to repeated requests for comment. Company reviews. All of these sources spoke on the condition of anonymity in fear of retaliation and damage to their careers in the tight-knit professional dance community. His representatives at the MSA Agency also said they had no comment on his behalf. The annual revenue of Break The Floor Productions varies between 25M and 100M. Travis has made some great dance routines and is a great dancer. Dance organizations create wide opportunities for adults to single out a child, groom them and then get them alone to sexually abuse them, she said. Keanu Uchida, photographed in Montreal, said many student dancers at Break the Floor endured inappropriate sexual advances from their instructors. Break the Floor Productions is one of the world's preeminent dance entertainment companies, encompassing touring theatrical productions, dance workshops, photo and video production, corporate events and apparel. Afterwards, Schaufeld said Wallace told him never to say anything; it would be bad for both of their careers. The problems date back to the founding of Los Angeles-based Break The Floor Productions; as the company has grown into an industry powerhouse, its leaders perpetuated a culture of sex and silence . They provide amazing opportunities. Break the Floor Productions Jan 2015 - Aug 2019 4 years 8 months. October 25 2021 2:20 PM EST. National News | The relationship did not progress further physically, Lavallee said. Our model gets smarter over time as more people share salaries on Glassdoor. We understand that some studios and families might not yet feel comfortable attending the in-person workshop. Flat-rate shipping on all physical store items anywhere in the US! The lawsuit and its disturbing allegations have rocked the ballet world, one populated by young dancers most of them girls who train under exacting instructors in hopes of reaching the top . Employers / Post Job. I just knew after that the company was bad news and I wanted out.. Break The Floor now draws around 300,000 dance students, some as . Another said Lazzarini texted her a nude selfie when she was 16. Thousands of hopefuls cram into hotel ballrooms across the continent for the chance to be discovered by a top choreographer and catapulted into the spotlight. He also noted that he was not in a position of authority but in a first-year, entry-level position. Receive a full refund within 7 business days of the event. The Stars prior investigation uncovered allegations that Lazzarini had subjected at least six dancers to unwanted sexual advances at Break The Floor events. Alumni and faculty have danced on stage with Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift, at the Oscars and the Super Bowl. Jeremy Hudson, now a professional dancer, came of age on the convention circuit and won Outstanding Dancer of the Year at the first JUMP Nationals in 2004. Break The Floor Productions is actively using 50 technologies for its website, according to BuiltWith. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Im not trying to bring this company down. Break The Floor (@breakthefloor) on TikTok | 2M Likes. But the secret ate away at him. Follow Break The Floor Productions on Instagram. Break The Floor Productions, LLC was formed in 1999 by Gil Stroming with the rock-tap show Break The Floor. We could have and should have done better. Allegations of sexual misconduct first hit the dance company in October, when the Toronto Starrevealed allegationsof widespread sexual harassment and predatory behavior by Break the Floor instructors. Lavallee called a friend to come over to divert where he said he felt the night was leading. Lindsey, from California, said he started exchanging text messages with the 34-year-old choreographer. Lonetree now questions whether he was punished for speaking up. Nowhere in the world of education should students feel they are underneath the predators, he said. Please know, the Break The Floor team is committed to bringing you the safest, most organized and exceptional events in the dance industry. Hudson alleges Meismer pushed him against a wall and performed oral sex on him. The OFFICIAL TikTok for Break the Floor Productions! Take a look at our available positions: 324 Brickyard Rd, Dalton, Georgia, 30721, United States. Six dancers, including Clarke, allege Lazzarini subjected them to unwanted sexual advances. After all, Meismer was already an icon; he had toured with Britney Spears, Madonna and Paula Abdul. Hundreds of studios and schools from smaller communities bring teams of dancers to the events, branded by Stroming as JUMP, NUVO, 24seven, RADIX and DancerPalooza. To surprise him, Hudson said Meismer would buy them matching outfits. To my family, friends, colleagues and, most importantly, to those who bravely stepped forward to share their truth: I am truly sorry. That night, they had sex in his apartment. I loved his reality show All the Right Moves & had a crush on Travis, if true makes my crush go away. And whats egregious about seeing it in the context of conventions is that it happens to kids. Lavallee said Walls disappearance left him feeling unmoored and now feels he was being groomed for a sexual relationship. Break The Floor Productions is one of the world's preeminent dance entertainment companies, encompassing touring theatrical productions, dance workshops, photo and video production, corporate events and apparel. Reviews from Break The Floor Productions employees about Pay & Benefits. Contact Email info@breakthefloor.com. I was frozen in my own skin, I didnt know what to do, Schaufeld said. At BTF, this contact led to physical boundaries being blurred. Break the Floor Productions is one of the world's preeminent dance entertainment companies, encompassing dance conventions, touring theatrical productions, software, photo and video production and apparel. I was frozen in my own skin, I didnt know what to do, Schaufeld said. This story was reported as a partnership between The Associated Press and the Toronto Star, The company was launched 22 years ago by a charismatic dancer, Gil Stroming, who came to fame in the 1990s, performing in the off-Broadway show Tap Dogs, described in The New York Times as a beefcake tap-a-thon.. Former Break The Floor instructors have been accused of abusing young dancers in other settings. Lonetree said he was soon after moved to a different convention, which he said made him feel like he had to start over and establish himself with a new team. Warning: This article includes accounts of alleged sexual harassment that some readers could find distressing. Our goal for this coming season is clear we are going to be holding all events, no matter what, GUARANTEED. I didnt really understand why communication was cut off. The only reason I could think of was because we didnt take it further romantically. We view this situation as an opportunity to expand our vision to bring the excitement of dance to everyone, all over the world, no matter the circumstance. We have many different teams and departments who are in need of someone just like you! The company provides dance workshops and competitions, touring theatrical productions, photo and video production, corporate events and apparel along with a broad range of business prospects to its customers. In the years that followed, Hudson said Meismer continued to pursue him for sex. Lavalee stated that he felt he was being groomed for a sexual relationship and that he was now being punished for dodging the alleged sexual advances. Gabriel who has performed with Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Beyonc and more was recently removed from the JUMP faculty. The televised dance shows brought fame to dancers Nick Lazzarini, Travis Wall and Misha Gabriel, who became big name attractions as Break The Floor instructors. Break the Floor Productions is one of the worlds preeminent dance entertainment companies, encompassing touring theatrical productions, dance workshops, photo and video production, corporate events and apparel. Meismer shushed him, he remembers, warning that someone was asleep in a nearby room. Of these sources, four say he sometimes brought young Break the Floor participants to parties or company events, where they were introduced as his girlfriend. join our mailing list They provide amazing opportunities. Im not trying to bring this company down. But during a 2020 in-house training, a recording of which was reviewed by the AP and Star, Stroming addressed his own past misconduct. Can a dancer do the scholarship audition through a virtual event? Wall did not respond to detailed questions sent by The Star, and said only the accusations against me are false, in a statement through a publicist. Follow. Break The Floor now draws around 300,000 dance students, some as young as 5, to packed hotel ballrooms across the U.S. and Canada for weekend workshops and competitions. We were doing hand massages, which just creeps me out now, he said. confront my own shortcomings, I vow to take every step necessary to turn them into the very strengths I will use to help empower and protect others. The Break The Floor faculty can't wait to dance with you! Break The Floor Productions General Information. If the in-person event is unable to be held, studios and dancers may choose to: Attend the event virtually (for a discounted rate). (The Star has not seen the now-deleted text from Lazzarini, but has spoken with two people with whom Clarke shared or discussed the message). The company was launched 22 years ago by a charismatic dancer, Gil Stroming, who came to fame in the 1990s, performing in the off-Broadway show Tap Dogs, described in The New York Times as a beefcake tap-a-thon.. Gil Stromings company capitalized on all of that studio growth, an industry that reached about $4 billion in value by 2021, employing more than 120,000 people, according to market research from analysts at IbisWorld. 550 Los Angeles, CA 90038 818.432.1234 info@breakthefloor.com. In his first 10 days as CEO, he said four people were let go.. In the years that followed, Hudson said Meismer continued to pursue him for sex. I didnt know how inappropriate that was.. But it all blew up when Beacham's husband, Kirk, contacted Gil Stroming, owner of Break the Floor Productions, about why the company would cancel the studio's registration to the Jump and Nuvo . But in January, as the AP and the Star were investigating allegations of sexual misconduct against him and others involved in the company, Stroming announced that he had sold Break the Floor and stepped down as CEO. The dance world, its not like its different than any other world, its just that theyve been able to keep their secrets longer.. A typical convention weekend lasts from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon and features dance classes with some of the world's leading dance educators. Sexual abuse pervades the dance world, according to child advocates and industry leaders. California teacher who gave birth to child fathered by student hit with another sexual abuse lawsuit Whenever I worked with a struggling student, I always reassured them that confronting our shortcomings is not a showing of weakness, it is the beginning of strength. As I Professional dancers suffer a wide swath of sexual predation from irritating flirtation to full-out devastating attacks. He apologized and said he himself was a victim of abuse as a teen, and that his texts to Maples were a one time ever brief exchange.. The next summer, Ellis said he approached Stroming at the Dance Awards, the biggest BTF event of the season, to tell him how Lazzarini had harassed him. Mom Chief & Officer at Break The Floor Productions . A Star investigation has found allegations of widespread sexual harassment and predatory behaviour by BTF coaches over their younger students, where dancers say their complaints of inappropriate conduct have been dismissed by the companys owner, letting the problem fester for years. 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One night, Schaufeld said, Wallace pushed him up against the wall of a hotel room they shared with a female assistant and forced oral sex on him. Jackie Stroming is a Mom Chief & Officer at Break The Floor Productions based in N Hollywood, California. While not all of the complainants in this story were involved with Break the Floor at the time of the alleged incidents, the instructors and executives accused of wrongdoing have played key roles in growing the companys revenue and popularity. Hudson said he was optimistic. The largest room is reserved for the main stage, where at many events, aspiring dancers perform showcases and compete for the title of best dancer.. Break the Floor is the largest producer of dance conventions in the world with three dance conventions, JUMP, NUVO and 24 Seven Dance . He said he must have passed out and has no recollection of sending the text. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Hotel lobbies, colourfully decorated, are lined with vendors selling clothes and videos. Company instructors have appeared on Dancing with the Stars, Dance Moms and So You Think You Can Dance. When COVID-19 lockdowns suspended in-person workshops, Break the Floor enlisted social media superstar Charli DAmelio, whose TikTok account has around 10.5 billion likes, to record instructional videos. He said that he and Lonetree flirted with one another before the text in question. September 17, 2021. Once on the convention circuit, children as young as five years old and teens spend entire weekends, from early morning to sometimes past midnight in hotel ballrooms and convention centres. Break The Floor Productions is a private company. Professional dancers suffer a wide swath of sexual predation from irritating flirtation to full-out devastating attacks. The AP and the Star haven't seen these messages because Maples said theyd been deleted. I have dedicated my life to creating happiness and joy in this world through dance and feel terrible that anything I might have done could have caused anyone to feel sad or hurt.

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