I was frozen in my own skin, I didnt know what to do, Schaufeld said. I just didnt know myself enough to understand how harmful it was, Hudson said. Lindsey alleges Lazzarini sent him nude photos of himself. He stopped eating and sleeping, and suffered from panic attacks, he said. 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. A Toronto-born teen alleged a famous choreographer propositioned her for sex just hours after judging her at a 2012 Break the Floor convention. Not saying it definitely never happened, but I need more proof before Im willing to label Wall or anyone else a predator. Gabriel, another famous dancer and choreographer, allegedly sent a nude photo on Snapchat to a 16-year-old dancer who says she was so horrified she threw her phone across the room. 15 reviews. Schaufeld had fallen in love with tap at 7 years old, and assisting Wallace offered a chance to raise his profile and learn from one of the best. Gil Stroming founded the excellent company named Break The Floor Productions in 1999 and has since grown it into one of the most famous dance entertainment companies in the world. After this investigation published, BTF issued a statement saying it fired the choreographer following this incident because of concerns about this type of behaviour., After receiving questions regarding the allegations, Lazzarini sent text messages to three of the dancers who spoke to the Star, saying to one, I will do my best to be a better person and apologizing to another, Im so so sorry I ever made you feel uncomfortable.. He is no longer with the company, according to Break The Floor. 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. Break The Floor Productions, LLC 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 Break The Floor Productions culture, salaries, benefits, work-life balance, management, job security, and more. Meismer asked the young dancer, then 17, to come to his home. Break The Floor hosts conventions in cities across North America, putting on events in hotel ballrooms every weekend over the course of a six-month season. Specialties: Event Production Established in 2000. By the mid-2000s, dance exploded into the mainstream with the debuts of popular television shows like So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing With The Stars. While some of what is being said about me is inaccurate or mischaracterized, there is enough truth in their stories to make me feel ashamed and remorseful. In his first 10 days as CEO, he said four people were let go.. Sign in. Free and open company data on California (US) company BREAK THE FLOOR PRODUCTIONS LLC (company number 201329710098), 5446 SATSUMA AVE, NORTH HOLLYWOOD, 91601. Stroming did not respond to specific questions, though told the Star that the dance company did not have fully thought out policies and procedures regarding this and, over the last year and a half we have worked very hard to make BTF a better and safer environment for everyone.. A Toronto-born teen alleged a famous choreographer propositioned her for sex just hours after judging her at a 2012 Break the Floor convention. Click to reveal One dancer said she met Stroming when she was a 16-year-old high school junior attending one of Break the Floors first events with her parents. But at Meismers house, they didnt discuss work. For payroll inquiries: payroll@breakthefloor.com For accounting inquiries: accounting@breakthefloor.com For human resources: hr@breakthefloor.com For general information about our dance programs: info@breakthefloor.com The relationship did not progress further physically, Lavallee said. Emmy winning choreographer Travis Wall has been suspended from Break the Floor dance company's traveling tours amid an investigation into an accusation of sexually inappropriate behavior made . Clarke was competing that July 2012 day at a New York City event put on by Break the Floor, a prominent company that tours Canada, the United States and Mexico hosting dance schools and putting on . 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. In 2019, according to multiple sources, Lazzarini accidentally posted to Instagram a video that appears to show himself masturbating. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! Your IP: At least four people removed from Break The Floor for alleged misconduct have continued to work around kids in other settings. The whole story seems fishy. Our goal for this coming season is clear we are going to be holding all events, no matter what, GUARANTEED. At BTF, this contact led to physical boundaries being blurred. But during a 2020 in-house training, a recording of which was reviewed by the AP and Star, Stroming addressed his own past misconduct. One staff member said Stroming showed him a nude photo of one of the students. JUMP, NUVO and 24 Seven will host a virtual event, specific to the event and city, and broadcast from our studios in Los Angeles. Lazzarini denied subjecting anyone to unwanted sexual advances, adding that he would not respond to each and every claim in your forthcoming article that is false, taken out of context or completely exaggerated.. But the secret ate away at him. After he turned 18, he engaged in a consensual sexual relationship with Lazzarini. One dance instructor said she warns the children and teens she brings to conventions today to be watchful and aware of the potential for abuse of power. Refund Policy for the 2020-2021 Season: If an in-person event is unable to be held on the originally advertised dates, and the studio decides not to attend the event virtually, Break The Floor will issue a FULL REFUND within 7 days of the scheduled event date. In dance studios, Hudson says Meismer would guide him into bathroom stalls for oral sex. Break the Floor has a fervent following. An exclusive Star investigation has found allegations of widespread sexual harassment and predatory behaviour by Break the Floor (a big part of the dance community of North America) coaches over . To surprise him, Hudson said Meismer would buy them matching outfits. Founded Date 1999. The Stars prior investigation uncovered allegations that Lazzarini had subjected at least six dancers to unwanted sexual advances at Break The Floor events. Lavallee said Wall flew him around the United States to help him teach choreography to youth in a dance studio and other conventions. We remain committed to these initiatives and will continue to learn and be better.. CODA aims to revolutionize the dance competition experience and is complimentary for every routine registered for JUMP, NUVO, 24 Seven and The Dance Awards. October 25 2021 2:20 PM EST. Attendees squeeze into small ballrooms where choreographers teach classes. In addition to competitions with cash prizes, Break The Floor conventions which cost between around $200 to $350 per student offer dozens of workshops, under strobing lights and thumping music. The next morning, Stroming left abruptly for Las Vegas and handed her $40 for a cab ride back to the airport. Lazzarini denies subjecting anyone to unwanted sexual advances. Payment Terms for the 2020-2021 Season: The registration deadline will remain 30 days prior to the events, however payment will not need to be made until 14 days prior. (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). Break The Floor Productions is actively using 50 technologies for its website, according to BuiltWith. Newspapers Limited, 8 Spadina Avenue, 10th Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 0S8. 165.8K Followers. 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. Break The Floor now draws around 300,000 dance students, some as . 324 Brickyard Rd, Dalton, Georgia, 30721, United States. Break the Floor is the largest producer of dance conventions in the world with three dance conventions, JUMP, NUVO and 24 Seven Dance . Lazzarini would laugh and smile and would play it lighthearted so as to not take on the full responsibility of what he was doing, said Ellis. Break the Floor helped launch his career, but an alleged assault by one of its star dancers continues to haunt him. 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. 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 didnt really understand why communication was cut off. Thank you. They typically end with parents on the sidelines shooting photos of their beaming children in leotards and makeup, striking poses alongside famous choreographers and dancers. Break the Floor calls itself one of the worlds preeminent dance companies, and its programs reach more than 300,000 dancers each year. At the New York event in 2012, Clarke said she turned down Lazzarinis request to join him in his hotel room. National News | Discover jobs. The AP and the Star spoke to the dancers father, who said that in the years following, she told him about these sexual interactions with Stroming, which left her deeply upset. One said Lazzarini groped him through a hole in his pants. It banned inviting students to hotel rooms and said instructors shouldnt call students their daughter or son. And it encourages discretion online regarding Religion, Social Justice, Discrimination, Politics, Love and Romance, Abuse, Mental Health, Bullying, and Terrorism., The new code of conduct also says educators are considered mandated reporters regarding suspected child abuse: If you witness anything concerning, it is your duty to report it to the appropriate authorities.. Sign in. Write a review. Ellis said it was this moment where he realized he had to leave the company. 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. Updated: This article has been updated to include a comment that Break The Floor provided after the article published. They provide amazing opportunities. I wish I would have known back at the time when it happened. The alleged victims story is shaky at best. The only reason I could think of was because we didnt take it further romantically. 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. Break The Floor Productions. But after speaking with the AP and the Star in February, Hudson went public and shared his experience in an emotional Instagram video, without naming Meismer. Earlier this year, after Geyser took the helm as CEO, Break The Floor published a new code of conduct. This salary trends is based on salaries posted anonymously by Break The Floor Productions employees. In addition to competitions with cash prizes, Break The Floor conventions which cost between around $200 to $350 per student offer dozens of workshops, under strobing lights and thumping music. In an interview earlier this year with the AP and the Star, Wallace denied Schaufelds allegations and said nothing sexual or physical ever transpired between them. 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, he said. 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 . The Break The Floor faculty can't wait to dance with you! Juliet Linderman, Martha Mendoza and Morgan Bocknek. With a broad range of business prospects and a reach of over 300,000 dancers annually, Break the Floor Productions is largely . Company reviews. but trust us. The biggest problem facing the dance industry (and everything, quite frankly) is uncertainty. He added new conventions, and new locations, branching into Mexico, Costa Rica and Canada. Afterwards, Schaufeld said Wallace told him never to say anything; it would be bad for both of their careers. Headquarters. BTFs website shows the company still employs Wall, who is currently scheduled to be part of a BTF-affiliated dance conventions 2021-2022 faculty. And so Schaufeld stayed quiet. 550 Los Angeles, CA 90038 818.432.1234 info@breakthefloor.com. 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. His representatives at the MSA Agency also said they had no comment on his behalf. I didnt know how inappropriate that was.. For aspiring young dancers like Clarke, the companys events are an almost mandatory stop if they want to pursue dancing professionally. Gabriel, another famous dancer and choreographer, allegedly sent a nude photo on Snapchat to a 16-year-old dancer who says she was so horrified she threw her phone across the room. If an event changes from in-person to virtual, the difference in fees will be refunded within 7 business days of the event. Stroming did not respond to questions about Elliss allegations. 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 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 . 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, according to interviews with dozens of former and current staff and students. He said he felt punished for dodging the alleged sexual advances. Former Break The Floor instructors have been accused of abusing young dancers in other settings. But the secret ate away at him. Allegations of sexual misconduct first hit the dance company in October, when the Toronto Star revealed allegations of widespread sexual harassment and predatory behavior by Break the Floor instructors. Lavallee also said that Wall gave him ecstasy that night. \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":". His mental health deteriorated. - See all classes with helpful filters. He referred reporters to his lawyer, who didnt respond. Jackie Stroming's Phone Number and Email Last Update. 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.. Stroming was allegedly involved in a series of inappropriate relationships with students of the dance program he was running, according to more than a dozen former staff and students. The incentive is a tax credit designed to help address complaints from school boards, police departments and hospitals about the growing . Through transparency, integrity, and professionalism, we believe we can become a model throughout the dance industry. A post shared by Break The Floor Productions (@breakthefloorprod). The next morning, Stroming left abruptly for Las Vegas and handed her $40 for a cab ride back to the airport. We have many different teams and departments who are in need of someone just like you! Three of these dancers were under 18. I carry so much shame, because I knew who this person was I still indulged in the attention anyways, and it made me feel super icky. Hudson alleges Meismer pushed him against a wall and performed oral sex on him. Any claims to the contrary are simply untrue., Nick Lazzarini: My Apology and Promise to Do Better. 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? Gabriel who has performed with Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Beyonc and more was recently removed from the JUMP faculty. Its touring conventions will make numerous stops this year, from Miami to Vancouver and Calgary to Anchorage, Alaska. Photos: Break the Floor, Joe Corrigan/Getty Images, Jason Kempin/Getty Images, Beau Campbell, Miss Toto Rodgers, KiLeigh Williams, ngel Vasquez, Lee Gumbs, Broderick Baumann. 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 AP and the Star havent seen these messages because Maples said theyd been deleted. His picture and profile disappeared from the website, though there was no formal announcement of his departure. Hicks said he sought therapy and a sexual treatment course in an effort to hold myself accountable and also deal with the feelings of feeling like I had wronged him in that way when that was never my intention. Former DancerPalooza instructor, Eric Saradpon, has been charged by the Riverside County District Attorney with perpetrating lewd acts on minors in a private dance studio, and is awaiting trial. A third said he and Lazzarini exchanged nude photos when he was 17. He said he must have passed out and has no recollection of sending the text. Break the Floors reach extends across the entertainment industry to some of the biggest names in music, television and social media. 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. 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. Uchida is now volunteering with BTF to help further revise the dance companys code of conduct. Stroming was three years older, she said, a magnetic 19-year-old running the whole show. In the years that followed, Hudson said Meismer continued to pursue him for sex. In the fall of 2008, Wall was teaching a course near Lavallees house in Arizona, and Lavallees parents invited Wall to stay overnight, Lavallee said. To my family, friends, colleagues and, most importantly, to those who bravely stepped forward to share their truth: I am truly sorry. Keanu Uchida, photographed in Montreal, said many student dancers at Break the Floor endured inappropriate sexual advances from their instructors. 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. National News | When I began teaching dance, I did so with the singular goal of helping individuals discover, develop, and express their truest selves. Still, he accepted a sought-after opportunity to assist Meismer as they toured various studios and conventions together. Hicks said he apologized to Lonetree and was reprimanded by Stroming. Im not trying to bring this company down. Following his bosss instruction, Ellis went back to his tasks at BTF. Contact. What if we plan on it and they are cancelled again? Hamilton also said perpetrators in many youth-focused organizations use hotel rooms away from home to exploit the power imbalance between teachers and students. Follow. California teacher who gave birth to child fathered by student hit with another sexual abuse lawsuit BTF has undergone training and revised its code of conduct, the company said in a statement. We know this season will look a little different for now. An Ottawa dancer working as an assistant for the company said the same choreographer groped him in public. Location. It was founded by Gil Stroming (Tap Dancer) in 1999, and today it is one of the most important dance companies in the world, encompassing traveling theater productions, dance workshops, photo and video production, corporate clothing events, real estate production rental studios, software . The next day Meismer was removed from NUVOs website and abruptly left the tour. He was a teen in 2004, assisting a successful tap dancer named Danny Wallace, who wasn't with Break the Floor at the time, but would go on to run one of its subsidiary conventions. Maples mother, however, told the news organizations that she saw the photos when they appeared on shared photo albums on their familys home computer. 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. 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. Who would give someone Ecstacy in their parents home? 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. 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. Due to the LA lockdown, it took us a little longer to organize. Headquarters Regions Greater Los Angeles Area, West Coast, Western US. Lonetree said he recounted the alleged exchange to Stroming. Break the Floor Productions is one of the world's preeminent dance entertainment companies, encompassing dance conventions, touring theatrical productions, software, photo and video . Earlier this year, after Geyser took the helm as CEO, Break The Floor published a new code of conduct. National News | An Ottawa dancer working as an assistant for the company said the same choreographer groped him in public. She said once she turned 18, Gabriel, 29 at that time in 2017, invited her to his hotel room in a text message with a shirtless photo. Yet, I am blessed to be surrounded by the people I love and thank them for their patience and grace. 24Seven 2021. (Please note: Some fall cities have a registration deadline of only 14 days prior). He called me his convention boyfriend, recalled Hudson. Another said Lazzarini texted her a nude selfie when she was 16. While for some of the dancers in this story the sexual interactions were, at the time, consensual, they now feel a power imbalance pressured them into relationships with leaders of the dance world who are many years older than them. A typical convention weekend lasts from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon and features dance classes with some of the world's leading dance educators. Break the Floor founder, celebrity dance instructors face sexual misconduct allegations as the prominent company's crisis deepens. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters, By Juliet Linderman, Martha Mendoza and Morgan Bocknek | Associated Press and Toronto Star. 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. Saying Pennsylvania is in the midst of a workforce crisis, Gov. I dont know in which ways more to be accountable, in which ways more to apologize, or in which ways more to make it right, Hicks said. This will be a real. It was my church, he said, but now the whole dance scene feels dirty and tainted.. Take a look at our available positions: Break The Floor (@breakthefloor) on TikTok | 2M Likes. Afterwards, Schaufeld said Wallace told him never to say anything; it would be bad for both of their careers. Reviews from Break The Floor Productions employees about Break The Floor Productions culture, salaries, benefits, work-life balance, management, job security, and more. Learn More About 24 Seven! Ghislaine Maxwells appeals arguments mirror earlier claims He worked at a convention in Minneapolis, Minn., where he alleges a 31-year-old Lazzarini groped him. Travis has made some great dance routines and is a great dancer. At her first company event, when she was 17, she and Stroming had oral sex, she said. Performance & security by Cloudflare. The AP and the Star spoke to the dancers father, who said that in the years following, she told him about these sexual interactions with Stroming, which left her deeply upset. . My resolve is unwavering. - And more! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Instinct Magazine 2023 - All Rights Reserved. Who's who in the break the floor investigation. Learn how to leverage transparent company data at scale. I felt very invalidated, Ellis said. Man convicted of California rapes that attorney blamed on defendants twin But at Meismers house, they didnt discuss work. 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. Influential dance company bred culture of sex, silence, dancers say. Break The Floor Productions is a private company. In a series of text messages between Schaufeld and Wallace, reviewed by the AP and the Star, Schaufeld laid out his accusations and Wallace said that although he couldnt remember anything, he couldnt be more sorry.. And whats egregious about seeing it in the context of conventions is that it happens to kids. The number of employees ranges from 25 to 100. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. I apologize and sincerely regret that my actions have hurt people I cherish or has broken their trust., In a later response, after being presented with an additional accusation that he sent nude photos to a teenage dancer, Lazzarini added: I have never subjected anyone to unwanted sexual advances. 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. Break The Floor Productions. I didnt know how inappropriate that was.. 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. Break The Floor Productions is a Music & Music Related Services, and Media & Internet company located in New York, New York with $2.40 Million in revenue and 62 employees. Related Articles Break The Floor now draws around 300,000 dance students, some as . Etc. He said he had never done drugs of any kind before. <style>.g-image--loading{display:none;}</style> When Ellis explained that he recoiled before Lazzarini actually touched his genitals, he alleges Stroming declared it wasnt actually sexual harassment because he didnt actually touch me.. Ellis recalled that on the last night of the dance season in May 2017, when Ellis was 21, Lazzarini kissed him while they were out at a club with other staff members.
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