One said Lazzarini groped him through a hole in his pants. Ellis started working for BTF in merchandising, selling clothing at events in 2015 when he was 19. Break the Floor Productions Jan 2015 - Aug 2019 4 years 8 months. Meismer didnt respond to repeated requests for comment. The dance world, its not like its different than any other world, its just that theyve been able to keep their secrets longer.. 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. An Ottawa dancer working as an assistant for the company said the same choreographer groped him in public. But the secret ate away at him. Description. 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. Founders Gil Stroming. At the New York event in 2012, Clarke said she turned down Lazzarinis request to join him in his hotel room. Break the Floor helped launch his career, but an alleged assault by one of its star dancers continues to haunt him. . However, Lavallee said Wall told him he had romantic feelings for him, and thought of him as his best friend. 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. Ellis said it was this moment where he realized he had to leave the company. 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. agreed. But during a 2020 in-house training, a recording of which was reviewed by the AP and Star, Stroming addressed his own past misconduct. 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. Its the opposite of a zero tolerance policy, Ellis said. This salary trends is based on salaries posted anonymously by Break The Floor Productions employees. 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. At least four people removed from Break The Floor for alleged misconduct have continued to work around kids in other settings. 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. Josh Shapiro said he will propose a three-year incentive of up to $2,500 a year for newly certified teachers, police officers and nurses when the Democrat unveils his budget plan on Tuesday. This option would also allow the dancers or studios attending the virtual workshop to still come to the venue for the competition portion of the event. 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.. Subscribe to our emails. Receive a full refund within 7 business days of the event. Earlier this year, after Geyser took the helm as CEO, Break The Floor published a new code of conduct. 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. 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. A post shared by Break The Floor Productions (@breakthefloorprod). He was inviting her to his hotel room. Lavallee said Wall flew him around the United States to help him teach choreography to youth in a dance studio and other conventions. 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 . This might just be his lucky break into professional dance. And so Schaufeld stayed quiet. Check! 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 took the word of this choreographer, and thought he was helping me build a dance career. But during a 2020 in-house training, a recording of which was reviewed by the AP and Star, Stroming addressed his own past misconduct. Lawyers for Saradpon and the Buttons didn't respond to requests for comment. Gabriel who has performed with Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Beyonc and more was recently removed from the JUMP faculty. Your IP: - See show line-ups. Afterwards, Schaufeld said Wallace told him never to say anything; it would be bad for both of their careers. Ghislaine Maxwells appeals arguments mirror earlier claims 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. Each of them has since left the company amid allegations of sexual misconduct. 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. I totally feel like I was a headache [for Stroming], Lonetree said. 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.. We were doing hand massages, which just creeps me out now, he said. 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. Dharma Productions shared the news of filming start on the project on the banner's social media handles. I just didnt know myself enough to understand how harmful it was, Hudson said. but trust us. Break the Floor offers dance workshops, contests, touring theatrical productions, picture and video production, corporate events . las vegas, nv. What if we plan on it and they are cancelled again? Dancers say leading company bred culture of, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Los Gatos: Hundreds still without power as Black Road repair project finishes early, Dancers say leading company bred culture of sex, silence, California teacher who gave birth to child fathered by student hit with another sexual abuse lawsuit, Ghislaine Maxwells appeals arguments mirror earlier claims, Man convicted of California rapes that attorney blamed on defendants twin, San Jose firefighter claims sexual abuse, racism, swastikas drove her out, Harvey Weinstein sentenced to 16 years for rape, sexual assault. (Please note: Some fall cities have a registration deadline of only 14 days prior). 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 . Inside a Manhattan hotel, one of those choreographers Clarke idolized was now propositioning her for sex, she alleges. Follow. Lonetree now questions whether he was punished for speaking up. Break The Floor Productions is actively using 50 technologies for its website, according to BuiltWith. 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. Glassdoor provides our best prediction for total pay in today's job market, along with other types of pay like cash bonuses, stock bonuses, profit sharing, sales commissions, and tips. (US Only) Now is the time for continued open dialogue, soul searching, and decisive action towards making amends. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. with photos from Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images, The Toronto Star and thestar.com, each property of Toronto Star 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. 185.120.77.169 www.floorproductionsllc.com. At least four people removed from Break The Floor for alleged misconduct have continued to work around kids in other settings. To get anywhere, like here, you have to do whatever the teachers said, you know what I mean? 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. In 2019, Stroming quietly fired him after he posted, then quickly removed, a video of himself masturbating on Instagram, as the Star previously reported. Russell is known for a high level of professionalism in the entertainment industry. 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. Lazzarini denies subjecting anyone to unwanted sexual advances. 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 LA lockdown, it took us a little longer to organize. 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. Lonetree was 19. Operator of dance entertainment company committed to creating a dance culture. We are committed to making studios and families feel confident and secure when registering for our events. 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. A post shared by MYLES LAVALLE (@myleslavallee). I was frozen in my own skin, I didnt know what to do, Schaufeld said. 24Seven 2021. National News | Im not trying to bring this company down. 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 . Break the Floor Productions is one of the world's preeminent dance entertainment companies, encompassing dance conventions, touring theatrical productions, software, photo and video . These include Viewport Meta, IPhone / Mobile Compatible, and LetsEncrypt. His picture and profile disappeared from the website, though there was no formal announcement of his departure. On planes, Meismer would grope him in his seat, Hudson alleges. Lawyers for Saradpon and the Buttons didnt respond to requests for comment. The Break The Floor faculty can't wait to dance with you! I didnt really understand why communication was cut off. Meismer shushed him, he remembers, warning that someone was asleep in a nearby room. Hicks said he apologized to Lonetree and was reprimanded by Stroming. He referred reporters to his lawyer, who didnt respond. The number of employees ranges from 25 to 100. Stroming did not respond to questions about this incident. 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 . 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 . Hamilton also said perpetrators in many youth-focused organizations use hotel rooms away from home to exploit the power imbalance between teachers and students. 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. 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 . Attendees squeeze into small ballrooms where choreographers teach classes. 5446 Satsuma Ave, N Hollywood, California, 91601, United States. 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.. 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. Sign in. 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. Lavallee caught the attention of Wall an Emmy winner and So You Think You Can Dance runner-up who was judging his performance at a BTF competition in the summer of 2008, Lavallee said. Stroming picked up Lazzarini at the height of his fame to join the convention circuit, teaching hundreds of thousands of aspiring young dancers. Entering a BTF event is like walking into a carnival. 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. Lindsey alleges Lazzarini sent him nude photos of himself. 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. To my family, friends, colleagues and, most importantly, to those who bravely stepped forward to share their truth: I am truly sorry. Allegations and Scandal Update. In the months that followed, Ellis said he began accepting Lazzarinis advances, once making out in the choreographers hotel room during a work break. 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.. Break the Floor calls itself one of the worlds preeminent dance companies, and its programs reach more than 300,000 dancers each year. 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. Who's who in the break the floor investigation. Start of main content. 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). Stroming declined repeated interview requests. BTFs website shows the company still employs Wall, who is currently scheduled to be part of a BTF-affiliated dance conventions 2021-2022 faculty. 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.. 10 Mar, 2022, 01.17 PM IST. [Winners] get the most attention and respect. Studio Owners, please contact us to confirm pricing, discounts, and incentives. Break the Floor founder, celebrity dance instructors face sexual misconduct allegations as the prominent company's crisis deepens. Reviews from Break The Floor Productions employees about Break The Floor Productions culture, salaries, benefits, work-life balance, management, job security, and more. And five dancers are suing former Boston Ballet star Dusty Button and her husband, alleging sexual abuse and assault. Awards ceremonies will be broadcast live immediately following the competition. Sexual abuse pervades the dance world, according to child advocates and industry leaders. We are truly heartbroken that anyone has been subject to inappropriate behaviour by any person associated with Break The Floor, the statement read. National News | In his first 10 days as CEO, he said four people were let go.. 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. Arts Apr 20. Break The Floor Productions. 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). October 25 2021 2:20 PM EST. Upload your resume. It has been humbling. Saying Pennsylvania is in the midst of a workforce crisis, Gov. Still, he accepted a sought-after opportunity to assist Meismer as they toured various studios and conventions together. At her first company event, when she was 17, she and Stroming had oral sex, she said. This is quite common in the industry and is used to cover the time and expense Studio Owners incur while organizing, registering and attending these events. 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. 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. Which in fact, he wasnt, Hudson said in his video, viewed over 6,300 times. Lilli Maples had taken classes with Gabriel since she was 10 years old. One said Lazzarini groped him through a hole in his pants. 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. 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). It just felt like the next step was for us to be in contact and kiss one another.. Email. Nowhere in the world of education should students feel they are underneath the predators, he said. Touring to 16 amazing cities across America and Canada, Break The Floor's SUMMER JAM is a full workshop and competition experience featuring a creative mix of all BTF tours: Jump, NUVO, 24 Seven & Radix! Location. 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. Break The Floor Productions is part of the Home Improvement & Hardware Retail industry, and located in California, United States.

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