Break the Floor is the largest producer of dance conventions in the world with three dance conventions, JUMP, NUVO and 24 Seven Dance . While not all of the complainants in this story were involved with Break the Floor at the time of the alleged incidents, the instructors and executives accused of wrongdoing have played key roles in growing the companys revenue and popularity. Description. Working at Break The Floor Productions | Glassdoor In his first 10 days as CEO, he said four people were let go.. Lavallee also said that Wall gave him ecstasy that night. He said he had never done drugs of any kind before. 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. The Open Database Of The Corporate World. 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 . While not all of the complainants in this story were involved with Break the Floor at the time of the alleged incidents, the instructors and executives accused of wrongdoing have played key roles in growing the companys revenue and popularity. Break the Floor Productions - New York, NY - Yelp His representatives at the MSA Agency also said they had no comment on his behalf. And whats egregious about seeing it in the context of conventions is that it happens to kids. 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. 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. I took the word of this choreographer, and thought he was helping me build a dance career. Related Articles I didnt know how inappropriate that was.. The whole story seems fishy. In the years that followed, Hudson said Meismer continued to pursue him for sex. A Toronto-born teen alleged a famous choreographer propositioned her for sex just hours after judging her at a 2012 Break the Floor convention. With a broad range of business prospects and a reach of over 100,000+ dancers annually, Break The Floor Productions is largely . Now is the time for continued open dialogue, soul searching, and decisive action towards making amends. But the sexual climate behind closed doors is deplorable to me. Break The Floor Productions 6555 Barton Ave., Ste. Reviews from Break The Floor Productions employees about Break The Floor Productions culture, salaries, benefits, work-life balance, management, job security, and more. By Juliet Linderman, Martha Mendoza, Associated Press, Morgan Bocknek, Toronto Star . 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. 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.. Jobs - Break The Floor I just didnt know myself enough to understand how harmful it was, Hudson said. The ultimate goal is winning first place under the spotlight at the annual Dance Awards. 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. 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. Break the Floor dance company bred culture of sex, silence, dancers say The Star has spoken to a friend of Lindseys who said they saw the texts and photos Lindsey and Lazzarini exchanged. Stroming declined repeated interview requests. Emmy winning choreographer Travis Wall has been cut from Break the Floor dance company's traveling tours amid an investigation into an accusation of . 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. Jackie Stroming is a Mom Chief & Officer at Break The Floor Productions based in N Hollywood, California. 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. Phone Number 818.432.1234. CODA aims to revolutionize the dance competition experience and is complimentary for every routine registered for JUMP, NUVO, 24 Seven and The Dance Awards. I was definitely inappropriate myself in a lot of ways, he told his staff. 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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. 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.. 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 . But at Meismers house, they didnt discuss work. I believe if I had been taken seriously at the time I came forward with my experiences, this could have prevented another person from finding themselves in the same position that I was forced into, Ellis said. Entering a BTF event is like walking into a carnival. Please know, the Break The Floor team is committed to bringing you the safest, most organized and exceptional events in the dance industry. Another said Lazzarini texted her a nude selfie when she was 16. At her first company event, when she was 17, she and Stroming had oral sex, she said. 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 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. Lonetree alleges Hicks later confronted him, took off Lonetrees headset, and told him to take a walk and come back with the answer I want. Hicks strenuously denies saying this and denies removing Lonetrees headset. In his first 10 days as CEO, he said four people were let go.. 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. 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. Stroming picked up Lazzarini at the height of his fame to join the convention circuit, teaching hundreds of thousands of aspiring young dancers. The Company encompasses dance workshops, competitions, touring theatrical and video . September 17, 2021. Find company research, competitor information, contact details & financial data for Break The Floor Productions LLC of Los Angeles, CA. Website. 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. 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.. Stroming was three years older, she said, a magnetic 19-year-old running the whole show. 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. confront my own shortcomings, I vow to take every step necessary to turn them into the very strengths I will use to help empower and protect others. Reviews from Break The Floor Productions employees about Pay & Benefits. - And more! The dance world, its not like its different than any other world, its just that theyve been able to keep their secrets longer.. 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. Thats what Gary Schaufeld says happened to him. Mega dance company bred culture of sex, silence, dancers say We know this season will look a little different for now. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters, By Juliet Linderman, Martha Mendoza and Morgan Bocknek | Associated Press and Toronto Star. Break The Floor Productions is a private company. At the New York event in 2012, Clarke said she turned down Lazzarinis request to join him in his hotel room. Three of them say these alleged advances happened when they were under 18. 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. Of the eight allegations made, Wall is only implicated in the one featured in this article- and it happened nearly fourteen years ago. Lonetree said he recounted the alleged exchange to Stroming. Sign in. 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. Hicks, who was working as the convention announcer, was in his early 30s. orlando, fl. His picture and profile disappeared from the website, though there was no formal announcement of his departure. 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. 10 Mar, 2022, 01.17 PM IST. We are committed to making studios and families feel confident and secure when registering for our events. He also noted that he was not in a position of authority but in a first-year, entry-level position. Russell Geyser is the new CEO of Break the Floor Productions. 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. He added new conventions, and new locations, branching into Mexico, Costa Rica and Canada. One said Lazzarini groped him through a hole in his pants. Break the Floor has a fervent following. To surprise him, Hudson said Meismer would buy them matching outfits. So I think I always kind of accepted it as, it is what it is, you cant do anything about it. . Mega dance company bred culture of sex, silence, dancers say Each of them has since left the company amid allegations of sexual misconduct. Break The Floor puts on performances and hosts dance schools across the United States & has said that they will be looking into the allegations against Wall. 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. Two of the choreographers facing allegations of inappropriate sexual behaviour are listed as employees on the companys website. Stroming declined repeated interview requests. 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. 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. 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. Looking to travel? 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. Break The Floor Productions Company Profile: Funding & Investors - See show line-ups. San Jose firefighter claims sexual abuse, racism, swastikas drove her out His picture and profile disappeared from the website, though there was no formal announcement of his departure. 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 . 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. His mental health deteriorated. 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.. In 2019, according to multiple sources, Lazzarini accidentally posted to Instagram a video that appears to show himself masturbating. 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. Ellis said Stroming peppered him with questions. Stroming did not respond to questions about this incident. Competition routines will be uploaded to our website and judged virtually. Break The Floor Productions | PBS NewsHour 2.7 out of 5 stars. I loved his reality show All the Right Moves & had a crush on Travis, if true makes my crush go away. Email. To surprise him, Hudson said Meismer would buy them matching outfits. That night, they had sex in his apartment. The ultimate goal is winning first place under the spotlight at the annual Dance Awards. He was inviting her to his hotel room. with photos from Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images, The Toronto Star and thestar.com, each property of Toronto Star 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. Mega dance competition company bred culture of sex, silence, dancers say Take a look at our available positions: Meismer asked the young dancer, then 17, to come to his home. Former Break The Floor instructors have been accused of abusing young dancers in other settings. Its touring conventions will make numerous stops this year, from Miami to Vancouver and Calgary to Anchorage, Alaska. The AP and the Star havent seen these messages because Maples said theyd been deleted. I was frozen in my own skin, I didnt know what to do, Schaufeld said. Afterwards, Schaufeld said Wallace told him never to say anything; it would be bad for both of their careers. Break The Floor is a rapid growth company and are always looking for great new people to join our team! Lavallee called a friend to come over to divert where he said he felt the night was leading. COMPETITION INFO - JUMP Dance Convention Dance studios may apply their own additional administrative fees. Company Sold Dream of Fame. Dancers Call It a Nightmare - Newser He added new conventions, and new locations, branching into Mexico, Costa Rica and Canada. - Interactive venue and exhibit hall map. The largest room is reserved for the main stage, where at many events, aspiring dancers perform showcases and compete for the title of best dancer.. 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. Hudson is now a famous dancer, with a resume that spans mega tours with Pink, Lady Gaga and Kylie Minogue, and appearances in more than a dozen films including La La Land and FAME. For 17 years, he kept to himself about what happened with Meismer. BREAK THE FLOOR PRODUCTIONS LLC :: California (US) - OpenCorporates 24Seven 2021. 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. New York,NY . I was definitely inappropriate myself in a lot of ways, he told his staff. Gabriel who has performed with Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Beyonc and more was recently removed from the JUMP faculty. Inside a Manhattan hotel, one of those choreographers Clarke idolized was now propositioning her for sex, she alleges. Break The Floor (@breakthefloor) | TikTok Snapshot; Why Join Us . 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. I just knew after that the company was bad news and I wanted out.. However, Lavallee said Wall told him he had romantic feelings for him, and thought of him as his best friend. The company currently specializes in the Entertainment area. Three of these dancers were under 18. But the secret ate away at him. Start of main content. Im not trying to bring this company down. The Star reviewed the text messages. To my family, friends, colleagues and, most importantly, to those who bravely stepped forward to share their truth: I am truly sorry. Discover jobs. Break The Floor Productions, LLC was formed in 1999 by Gil Stroming with the rock-tap show Break The Floor. She says she didnt attend any auditions, and returned home devastated. Each of them has since left the company amid allegations of sexual misconduct. Yet, I am blessed to be surrounded by the people I love and thank them for their patience and grace. Not saying it definitely never happened, but I need more proof before Im willing to label Wall or anyone else a predator. Travis Wall Removed From Dance Tour After Misconduct Allegation 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. 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. 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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