It was my church, he said, but now the whole dance scene feels dirty and tainted.. But the sexual climate behind closed doors is deplorable to me. j***@breakthefloor.com. A post shared by Break The Floor Productions (@breakthefloorprod). 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. 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 . And so Schaufeld stayed quiet. Its the opposite of a zero tolerance policy, Ellis said. In 2019, according to multiple sources, Lazzarini accidentally posted to Instagram a video that appears to show himself masturbating. Looking back, Lindsey feels he had been groomed. A people person? Due to the LA lockdown, it took us a little longer to organize. Headquarters. 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. 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. To surprise him, Hudson said Meismer would buy them matching outfits. 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. Break The Floor - Break The Floor - Break the Floor Productions Ellis started working for BTF in merchandising, selling clothing at events in 2015 when he was 19. 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. Follow Break The Floor Productions on Instagram. Our model gets smarter over time as more people share salaries on Glassdoor. Man convicted of California rapes that attorney blamed on defendants twin 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. Mega dance company bred culture of sex, silence, dancers say - Yahoo! News He referred reporters to his lawyer, who didn't respond. Receive up-to-date schedules and info when attending any of the Break The Floor events: JUMP, NUVO, 24 Seven, The Dance Awards, DancerPalooza and Dance Teacher Summit! 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 . 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 Thats what Gary Schaufeld says happened to him. 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. Eight former staff and students allege BTF employees, famous in the dance world, initiated sexual conversations, propositioned them for sex, sent them nude photos, sexually harassed them at work or engaged in sexual relationships with them. 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. 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. 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. If an event changes from in-person to virtual, the difference in fees will be . If the in-person event is unable to be held, studios and dancers may choose to: Attend the event virtually (for a discounted rate). To get a job at Break The Floor Productions, browse currently open positions and apply for a job near you. After all, Meismer was already an icon; he had toured with Britney Spears, Madonna and Paula Abdul. October 25 2021 2:20 PM EST. Greater Los Angeles Area Event Planner Break the Floor Productions Jan 2012 - Aug 2019 7 years 8 months. 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. Break The Floor Productions | PBS NewsHour 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 the next week, we will be releasing an FAQ that will deal with all other questions. with photos from Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images, The Toronto Star and thestar.com, each property of Toronto Star Emmy winning choreographer Travis Wall has been cut from Break the Floor dance company's traveling tours amid an investigation into an accusation of . Break The Floor Productions is part of the Home Improvement & Hardware Retail industry, and located in California, United States. 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. About five years later, Lavallee, who now works as a professional dancer and choreographer, told his mother, Wendy, about everything that happened between him and the two older choreographers. And so Schaufeld stayed quiet. Break The Floor Productions, LLC was formed in 1999 by Gil Stroming with the rock-tap show Break The Floor. The whole story seems fishy. 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 . 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. 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. 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. Lavallee said they exchanged numbers, and over a few texts and calls, he agreed to become Walls dance assistant. Ellis said Stroming peppered him with questions. 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. 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. 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. Here's what we know about the sexual assault allegations filed against 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. 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. Travis has made some great dance routines and is a great dancer. He stopped eating and sleeping, and suffered from panic attacks, he said. 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. 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. I was naive, and I was just letting it all happen, Lindsey said. 10 Mar, 2022, 01.17 PM IST. Learn More About 24 Seven! BTFs website shows the company still employs Wall, who is currently scheduled to be part of a BTF-affiliated dance conventions 2021-2022 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. Dance studios may apply their own additional administrative fees. 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. After he turned 18, he engaged in a consensual sexual relationship with Lazzarini. Former Break The Floor instructors have been accused of abusing young dancers in other settings. Which in fact, he wasnt, Hudson said in his video, viewed over 6,300 times. Film Production. Three of them say these alleged advances happened when they were under 18. On all orders over $100! Break the Floors reach extends across the entertainment industry to some of the biggest names in music, television and social media. 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. 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.. 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 relationship did not progress further physically, Lavallee said. Entering a BTF event is like walking into a carnival. 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 . Russell is known for a high level of professionalism in the entertainment industry. Susan Kao illustration with photos from Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images, John Lamparski/Getty Images, Broderick Baumann and ngel Vasquez, VIDEO OF BTF EVENT, OCT. 14, 2018: NICO LONETREE/@NICOGOOFS. All I would need to do is say [five] words: I know what you did. . 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 . 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. In the months that followed, Ellis said he began accepting Lazzarinis advances, once making out in the choreographers hotel room during a work break. 550 Los Angeles, CA 90038 818.432.1234 info@breakthefloor.com. At the New York event in 2012, Clarke said she turned down Lazzarinis request to join him in his hotel room. 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.. We are committed to making studios and families feel confident and secure when registering for our events. 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. Break the Floor Productions - New York, NY - Yelp I didnt know how inappropriate that was.. Hudson alleges Meismer pushed him against a wall and performed oral sex on him. 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. 185.120.77.169 Mom Chief & Officer at Break The Floor Productions . Lavallee said he did not tell Stroming or BTF staff about what he alleges happened with either Wall or the other choreographer, saying he thought his concerns would not be taken seriously. Lilli Maples had taken classes with Gabriel since she was 10 years old. Its headquarters is located at New York, New York, USA. 2023 www.detroitnews.com. Im not a monster but I feel like one, Wallace wrote, adding that he has a lot of hazy memories and a huge list of regrets/mistakes from that time period. Eventually, Lazzarini began to avoid her at dance conventions, Clarke said, and this made her anxious, as she feared he was in a position to impede her career. Im not a monster but I feel like one, Wallace wrote, adding that he has a lot of hazy memories and a huge list of regrets/mistakes from that time period. I was frozen in my own skin, I didnt know what to do, Schaufeld said. In dance studios, Hudson says Meismer would guide him into bathroom stalls for oral sex. Receive a full refund within 7 business days of the event. In 2019, Stroming quietly fired him after he posted, then quickly removed, a video of himself masturbating on Instagram, as the Star previously reported. Meismer didnt respond to repeated requests for comment. Meismer shushed him, he remembers, warning that someone was asleep in a nearby room. The next day Meismer was removed from NUVOs website and abruptly left the tour. agreed. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a298e5fcfbebcbd Button taught at Radix conventions. To surprise him, Hudson said Meismer would buy them matching outfits. Lavallee charges that in 2008, Wall made sexual advances on him when the two stayed at Lavalees parents home overnight while teaching a dance course close by. 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. NUVO Dance Convention I apologize and sincerely regret that my actions have hurt people I cherish or has broken their trust. Based on the Toronto Stars expose, Eight former staff and students allege BTF employees, famous in the dance world, initiated sexual conversations, propositioned them for sex, sent them nude photos, sexually harassed them at work or engaged in sexual relationships with them.Myles Lavallee (one of the students) has accused Wall of starting to groom him when Lavallee was just sixteen years old and Wall was approximately twenty years old. Snapshot; Why Join Us . Alumni and faculty have danced on stage with Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift, at the Oscars and the Super Bowl. Lavalee also charges that in an earlier incident, he attended a hotel room party in California where Wall gave him crystal meth so he could stay awake for his flight back home to Arizona. (Lavallee had never done any drugs at all prior to the alleged incident). 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. www.floorproductionsllc.com. Company reviews. 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. 24Seven 2021. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. 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. Break the Floor offers dance workshops, contests, touring theatrical productions, picture and video production, corporate events . BTF has undergone training and revised its code of conduct, the company said in a statement. 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 Productions is one of the world's preeminent dance entertainment companies, encompassing dance conventions, touring theatrical productions, software, photo and video production and apparel. We have many different teams and departments who are in need of someone just like you! Due to the current climate, we realize the need for a clearer payment and refund policy. 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. Gabriel who has performed with Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Beyonc and more was recently removed from the JUMP faculty. 5446 Satsuma Ave, N Hollywood, California, 91601, United States. Break The Floor Productions LLC - Company Profile and News Meismer didn't respond to repeated requests for comment. He also noted that he was not in a position of authority but in a first-year, entry-level position. A year later, Hudson stayed with Meismer when he joined Break The Floors fledgling NUVO convention as part of its original lineup of instructors. Please know, the Break The Floor team is committed to bringing you the safest, most organized and exceptional events in the dance industry. 24 SEVEN Dance Convention is a dance workshop and competition that tours to 27 cities in the United States each season. Through transparency, integrity, and professionalism, we believe we can become a model throughout the dance industry. 324 Brickyard Rd, Dalton, Georgia, 30721, United States. 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. This salary trends is based on salaries posted anonymously by Break The Floor Productions employees. 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. 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. Maples mother, however, told the news organizations that she saw the photos when they appeared on shared photo albums on their familys home computer. Mega dance competition company bred culture of sex, silence, dancers say . One staff member said Stroming showed him a nude photo of one of the students. These include Viewport Meta, IPhone / Mobile Compatible, and LetsEncrypt. The Company encompasses dance workshops, competitions, touring theatrical and video . 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.. They provide amazing opportunities. Founded Date 1999. 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. CONTACT - Break the Floor Productions The annual revenue of Break The Floor Productions varies between 25M and 100M. 24 Seven Dance Convention Can a dancer do the scholarship audition through a virtual event? Break The Floor Productions Email Format & Employee Directory | ContactOut Stroming picked up Lazzarini at the height of his fame to join the convention circuit, teaching hundreds of thousands of aspiring young dancers. Lonetree now questions whether he was punished for speaking up. The ultimate goal is winning first place under the spotlight at the annual Dance Awards. Lawyers for Saradpon and the Buttons didn't respond to requests for comment. 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.Break the Floor is the largest producer of dance conventions in the world with three dance conventions, JUMP, NUVO and 24 Seven Dance . Contact. But he was uncomfortable when a dance teacher, Mark Meismer, in his early 30s, repeatedly told him how attractive he was. - Interactive venue and exhibit hall map. 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. 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 . Lavallee said Wall flew him around the United States to help him teach choreography to youth in a dance studio and other conventions. 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. The OFFICIAL TikTok for Break the Floor Productions! His picture and profile disappeared from the website, though there was no formal announcement of his departure. 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, said Uchida, who alleges in 2015 he had a six-month consensual sexual relationship with Lazzarini when he was 19 and Lazzarini was 31. Emmy-winning choreographer, So You Think You Can Dance breakout star, and Shaping Sounds co-founder Travis Wall has been removed from a tour with Break The Floor dance company as allegations of sexually inappropriate behavior that have surfaced are being investigated (via The Toronto Star). Breaking the silence: Dancers accuse choreographers of sexual Break The Floor now draws around 300,000 dance students, some as . Break The Floor Productions. Related Articles Looking to travel? A Toronto-born teen alleged a famous choreographer propositioned her for sex just hours after judging her at a 2012 Break the Floor convention. I could feel the relationship change because I basically rejected the offer., In a statement, Lazzarini apologized to those who bravely stepped forward to share their truth.. Thank you. Lonetree said he recounted the alleged exchange to Stroming. Lets be responsible journalists, shall we? Dancers repeatedly described feeling sexualized in their learning space, and multiple dancers said they felt leered at by some choreographers who would message them compliments on their appearance, sometimes immediately following classes. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters, By Juliet Linderman, Martha Mendoza and Morgan Bocknek | Associated Press and Toronto Star. Learn how to leverage transparent company data at scale. He is no longer with the company, according to Break The Floor. 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 . New App with lots of helpful features. Studio Owners, please contact us to confirm pricing, discounts, and incentives. National News | Los Angeles Every year, one of the worlds 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. Get the latest business insights from Dun & Bradstreet. 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. I loved his reality show All the Right Moves & had a crush on Travis, if true makes my crush go away. Break the Floor dance company bred culture of sex, silence, dancers say The company currently specializes in the Entertainment area. Uchida is now volunteering with BTF to help further revise the dance companys code of conduct. The next morning, Stroming left abruptly for Las Vegas and handed her $40 for a cab ride back to the airport. Lavallee called a friend to come over to divert where he said he felt the night was leading. The dance world, its not like its different than any other world, its just that theyve been able to keep their secrets longer.. Seven sources say they saw Stroming interact with students in ways that appeared intimate and inappropriate. Mega dance company bred culture of sex, silence, dancers say We could have and should have done better, he said. Earlier this year, after Geyser took the helm as CEO, Break The Floor published a new code of conduct. The Break The Floor faculty can't wait to dance with you! june 24-july 1. the venetian/palazzo. 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. At least four people removed from Break The Floor for alleged misconduct have continued to work around kids in other settings. 15 reviews. Click to reveal Break The Floor Productions General Information. Lazzarini denies subjecting anyone to unwanted sexual advances. It is one of the most exciting events of a young dancers life, recalled Keanu Uchida, a professional dancer from Ottawa. Lonetree was 19. orlando, fl. The number of employees ranges from 25 to 100. This might just be his lucky break into professional dance. Break the Floor (who is bringing in a third party to launch an investigation into the accusation lobbied against Wall) said in a story on the companys Instagram page on Friday Travis will not be traveling with BTF until weve had the opportunity for a third-party to look into these allegations,going on to say We take this very seriously and will take further action if necessary.For his own part, Wall told the Star through his publicist thatthe accusations against me are false, but has not commented on on being cut from Break the Floors tour due to the accusations. This story was reported in partnership with the Toronto Star. 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.. Male Dancer Accuses Travis Wall of Sexual Misconduct and Grooming Break the Floor helped launch his career, but an alleged assault by one of its star dancers continues to haunt him. He was inviting her to his hotel room. As I embark on a path of repentance, I will use the platform I have been given to do better in the future and to help others get it right too. Stroming did not respond to questions about this incident. The dance world, its not like its different than any other world, its just that theyve been able to keep their secrets longer.. Emmy-winning choreographer, So You Think You Can Dance breakout star, and Shaping Sounds co-founder Travis Wall has been removed from a tour with Break The Floor dance company as allegations of sexually inappropriate behavior that have surfaced are being investigated (via The Toronto Star).Break The Floor puts on performances and hosts dance schools across the United States & has said that . He called me his convention boyfriend, recalled Hudson. Two of the choreographers facing allegations of inappropriate sexual behaviour are listed as employees on the companys website. Stroming was three years older, she said, a magnetic 19-year-old running the whole show. 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.