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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. 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 performances led by elite dancers and choreographers known from Broadway, film and television. I totally feel like I was a headache [for Stroming], Lonetree said. 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.. Isla Clarke was 16 when she alleges she received a nude photo texted by one of North Americas most famous dance choreographers, a man nearly twice her age. 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 . Nowhere in the world of education should students feel they are underneath the predators, he said. orlando, fl. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! . 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.. Which in fact, he wasnt, Hudson said in his video, viewed over 6,300 times. But at Meismers house, they didnt discuss work. We have many different teams and departments who are in need of someone just like you! 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. Lonetree was 19. How much do Break The Floor Productions employees make? Sign in. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters, By Juliet Linderman, Martha Mendoza and Morgan Bocknek | Associated Press and Toronto Star. In 2019, according to multiple sources, Lazzarini accidentally posted to Instagram a video that appears to show himself masturbating. 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 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. Mom Chief & Officer at Break The Floor Productions . 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. To get a job at Break The Floor Productions, browse currently open positions and apply for a job near you. Company Sold Dream of Fame. Dancers Call It a Nightmare - Newser j***@breakthefloor.com. Sami Levinbook - Director of Venue Sourcing - Break The Floor Warning: This article includes accounts of alleged sexual harassment that some readers could find distressing. 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. Due to the current climate, we realize the need for a clearer payment and refund policy. Thank you. Male Dancer Accuses Travis Wall of Sexual Misconduct and Grooming Earlier this year, after Geyser took the helm as CEO, Break The Floor published a new code of conduct. Break The Floor Productions - opradancewear Break The Floor Productions Email Format & Employee Directory | ContactOut Seven sources say they saw Stroming interact with students in ways that appeared intimate and inappropriate. Break the Floors reach extends across the entertainment industry to some of the biggest names in music, television and social media. Each of them has since left the company amid allegations of sexual misconduct. 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. Six of them have agreed to go public with their allegations. In his first 10 days as CEO, he said four people were let go.. Lawyers for Saradpon and the Buttons didnt respond to requests for comment. Phone Number (706) 217-6462. Etc. 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. Break The Floor's Summer Jam Still, he accepted a sought-after opportunity to assist Meismer as they toured various studios and conventions together. Hicks, who was working as the convention announcer, was in his early 30s. I just knew after that the company was bad news and I wanted out.. Film Production. To my family, friends, colleagues and, most importantly, to those who bravely stepped forward to share their truth: I am truly sorry. But the sexual climate behind closed doors is deplorable to me. 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. After Maples showed the screenshots to friends who shared them on social media, Gabriel sent her a message threatening to ruin her career, she said. 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. I apologize and sincerely regret that my actions have hurt people I cherish or has broken their trust. Lets be responsible journalists, shall we? Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Check! In the years that followed, Hudson said Meismer continued to pursue him for sex. His mental health deteriorated. That same year, Lavallee alleges a 24-year-old dancer forced himself onto a 16-year-old Lavallee at a party. Hours earlier, the Toronto-born teen performed before a panel of judges that included the choreographer, Nick Lazzarini, a luminary in the dance world and first-ever winner of the TV show So You Think You Can Dance.. Break The Floor Productions is actively using 50 technologies for its website, according to BuiltWith. Break The Floor Productions Employee Reviews in Los Angeles, CA - Indeed 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.. Hudson said he was optimistic. 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, though he said he remembered having an inappropriate attraction to Schaufeld. Dance studios may apply their own additional administrative fees. The Star has spoken to a friend of Lindseys who said they saw the texts and photos Lindsey and Lazzarini exchanged. National News | Its headquarters is located at New York, New York, USA. break the floor Latest Breaking News, Pictures, Videos, and Special Reports from The Economic Times. 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: Latest News & Videos, Photos about break the floor Hudson said he was optimistic. 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. And five dancers are suing former Boston Ballet star Dusty Button and her husband, alleging sexual abuse and assault. Break The Floor (@breakthefloor) | TikTok 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. Lonetree said he recounted the alleged exchange to Stroming. CONTACT - Break the Floor Productions Headquarters. Follow. Two-time Emmy-winning choreographer and So You Think You Can Dance star Travis Wall has been taken off of the Break the Floor dance company's tours after allegations . Many students endured inappropriate sexual advances or comments from their instructors, Uchida said. JUMP is proud to integrate CODA into all its competition. Mega dance company bred culture of sex, silence, dancers say National News | Ellis said it was this moment where he realized he had to leave the company. Not saying it definitely never happened, but I need more proof before Im willing to label Wall or anyone else a predator. I took the word of this choreographer, and thought he was helping me build a dance career. Break the Floor founder, celebrity dance instructors face sexual misconduct allegations as the prominent company's crisis deepens. 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 didn't respond to the specific allegations. - See all classes with helpful filters. I just didnt know myself enough to understand how harmful it was, Hudson said. We understand that some studios and families might not yet feel comfortable attending the in-person workshop. Here is how it will work: JUMP, NUVO & 24 Seven will be planning all events, in-person, for the upcoming season. Break The Floor Productions LLC Company Profile | Los Angeles, CA Hudson alleges Meismer pushed him against a wall and performed oral sex on him. Schaufeld stopped dancing years ago and has no plans to return to the studio. Maples mother, however, told the news organizations that she saw the photos when they appeared on shared photo albums on their familys home computer. with photos from Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images, The Toronto Star and thestar.com, each property of Toronto Star 24 Seven Dance Convention Gabriel who has performed with Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Beyonc and more was recently removed from the JUMP faculty. Now is the time for continued open dialogue, soul searching, and decisive action towards making amends. The Stars prior investigation uncovered allegations that Lazzarini had subjected at least six dancers to unwanted sexual advances at Break The Floor events. 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. The whole story seems fishy. In dance studios, Hudson says Meismer would guide him into bathroom stalls for oral sex. Your IP: Our model gets smarter over time as more people share salaries on Glassdoor. Description. At 16, Hudson looked forward to the festive weekend gatherings. The problems date back to the founding of Los Angeles-based Break The Floor Productions, whose alumni and faculty have danced on stage with Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift, at the Oscars and Super Bowl . He is no longer with the company, according to Break The Floor. Jackie Stroming's Phone Number and Email Last Update. 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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 would not have stayed silent, said Wendy in a phone interview with the Star. 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. He said he found the work climate to be too sexualized to continue there. Lavallee called a friend to come over to divert where he said he felt the night was leading. He said he must have passed out and has no recollection of sending the text. The ultimate goal is winning first place under the spotlight at the annual Dance Awards. A third said he and Lazzarini exchanged nude photos when he was 17. Six dancers, including Clarke, allege Lazzarini subjected them to unwanted sexual advances. 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. 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 . 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Following his bosss instruction, Ellis went back to his tasks at BTF. A few months later, without warning, Lavallee said, Wall cut off communication with him in the middle of one weekend and didnt show up to one of their scheduled teaching sessions. Former Break The Floor instructors have been accused of abusing young dancers in other settings. As a student I was in inappropriate relationships with teachers, and vice versa, and just looking back I was like, oh wow, I think a lot of us dont even realize at first the power that we have in the dance world.. Man convicted of California rapes that attorney blamed on defendants twin 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.. <style>.g-image--loading{display:none;}</style> Influential dance company bred culture of sex, silence, dancers say At Floor Productions we deliver best-in-class quality with the industries' best time-to-market project completion. But during a 2020 in-house training, a recording of which was reviewed by the AP and Star, Stroming addressed his own past misconduct. At BTF, this contact led to physical boundaries being blurred. With a broad range of business prospects and a reach of over 300,000 dancers annually, Break the Floor Productions is largely . I didnt really understand why communication was cut off. He said he must have passed out and has no recollection of sending the text. 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). Due to the LA lockdown, it took us a little longer to organize. 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. 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.. I loved his reality show All the Right Moves & had a crush on Travis, if true makes my crush go away. 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. He won the best dancer title in 2014 and worked for BTF for two years as a dance assistant, travelling across Canada and the United States. 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. Arts Apr 20. Stroming declined repeated interview requests. He referred reporters to his lawyer, who didn't respond. But he was uncomfortable when a dance teacher, Mark Meismer, in his early 30s, repeatedly told him how attractive he was. Meismer shushed him, he remembers, warning that someone was asleep in a nearby room. 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.. 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. Afterwards, Schaufeld said Wallace told him never to say anything; it would be bad for both of their careers. 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. COMPETITION INFO - JUMP Dance Convention National News | And whats egregious about seeing it in the context of conventions is that it happens to kids. Break The Floor LIVE | Virtual Dance Convention - YouTube After Maples showed the screenshots to friends who shared them on social media, Gabriel sent her a message threatening to ruin her career, she said. BREAK THE FLOOR PRODUCTIONS LLC :: California (US) - OpenCorporates The combination of hyper-sexual dance content and the close contact between adult teachers and the young dancers creates an atmosphere ripe for abuse, said Jamal Story, a professional dancer who is co-chair of the National Dance Committee for The Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). At 16, Hudson looked forward to the festive weekend gatherings. 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 His representatives at the MSA Agency also said they had no comment on his behalf. Mega dance company bred culture of sex, silence, dancers say - Yahoo! News The alleged victims story is shaky at best. Break The Floors Health & Safety Protocols can be found here: https://www.breakthefloor.com/safety. Lavallee also said that Wall gave him ecstasy that night. break the floor Blogs, Comments and Archive News on Economictimes.com . Stroming picked up Lazzarini at the height of his fame to join the convention circuit, teaching hundreds of thousands of aspiring young dancers. Awards ceremonies will be broadcast live immediately following the competition. For more than 30 years, Russell has been CEO of numerous companies and run a portfolio of investments in theatrical film production, sports lending, film finance and lending, media buying, and . Break The Floor Productions 5446 Satsuma Ave North Hollywood, CA 91601 jam . Professional dancers suffer a wide swath of sexual predation from irritating flirtation to full-out devastating attacks. Lawyers for Saradpon and the Buttons didn't respond to requests for comment. The next morning, Stroming left abruptly for Las Vegas and handed her $40 for a cab ride back to the airport. 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. 165.8K Followers. 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. Website. 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. That dancer now works for BTF as a choreographer. 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. That night, they had sex in his apartment. He was inviting her to his hotel room. 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. This story was reported in partnership with the Toronto Star. Lindsey alleges Lazzarini sent him nude photos of himself. 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. October 25 2021 11:10 AM EST. Inside a Manhattan hotel, one of those choreographers Clarke idolized was now propositioning her for sex, she alleges. Break the Floor Productions LLC operates as a dance entertainment company. FREE Shipping. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. Founders Gil Stroming. Former Break The Floor instructors have been accused of abusing young dancers in other settings. For aspiring young dancers like Clarke, the companys events are an almost mandatory stop if they want to pursue dancing professionally. Operating Status Active. 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. San Jose firefighter claims sexual abuse, racism, swastikas drove her out We could have and should have done better, he said. (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). Discover jobs. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Instinct Magazine 2023 - All Rights Reserved. A post shared by Break The Floor Productions (@breakthefloorprod). In the months that followed, Ellis said he began accepting Lazzarinis advances, once making out in the choreographers hotel room during a work break. About us. Break The Floor Productions Company Profile: Funding & Investors A post shared by Travis Wall (@traviswall). It was my church, he said, but now the whole dance scene feels dirty and tainted.. Follow Break The Floor Productions on Instagram. 185.120.77.169 In a statement, BTF Productions said, For some time, we have taken substantial steps to ensure BTF is the safe and comfortable environment that our attendees and employees deserve and expect..