Read More . Company reviews. Now is the time for continued open dialogue, soul searching, and decisive action towards making amends. 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. 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. But the secret ate away at him. 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 (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. Ellis said it was this moment where he realized he had to leave the company. 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.. 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. 2023 www.detroitnews.com. Afterwards, Schaufeld said Wallace told him never to say anything; it would be bad for both of their careers. Please know, the Break The Floor team is committed to bringing you the safest, most organized and exceptional events in the dance industry. That night, they had sex in his apartment. California teacher who gave birth to child fathered by student hit with another sexual abuse lawsuit This allows a dancer or studio to take class from home or at the studio (at the discounted virtual fee). My resolve is unwavering. He added new conventions, and new locations, branching into Mexico, Costa Rica and Canada. 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 . I didnt know how inappropriate that was.. 185.120.77.169 Man convicted of California rapes that attorney blamed on defendants twin They provide amazing opportunities. 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. 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. Dancers can take workshop classes at home or the studio may organize a watch and dance party at their studio. 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.. CODA aims to revolutionize the dance competition experience and is complimentary for every routine registered for JUMP, NUVO, 24 Seven and The Dance Awards. 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.. But he was uncomfortable when a dance teacher, Mark Meismer, in his early 30s, repeatedly told him how attractive he was. 15 reviews. The relationship did not progress further physically, Lavallee said. Soon after, Lavallee, then 16, attended a hotel-room party in California where he said Wall, who was around 20, gave him crystal meth a highly addictive stimulant so he could stay awake for his flight back home to Arizona. Lilli Maples had taken classes with Gabriel since she was 10 years old. Reviews from Break The Floor Productions employees about Break The Floor Productions culture, salaries, benefits, work-life balance, management, job security, and more. Nowhere in the world of education should students feel they are underneath the predators, he said. Can a dancer do the scholarship audition through a virtual event? Reviews from Break The Floor Productions employees about Break The Floor Productions culture, salaries, benefits, work-life balance, management, job security, and more. We are working on our competition entry limits for each event and will announce them soon. 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. Hamilton also said perpetrators in many youth-focused organizations use hotel rooms away from home to exploit the power imbalance between teachers and students. 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. Our model gets smarter over time as more people share salaries on Glassdoor. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters, By Juliet Linderman, Martha Mendoza and Morgan Bocknek | Associated Press and Toronto Star. Still, he accepted a sought-after opportunity to assist Meismer as they toured various studios and conventions together. At least four people removed from Break The Floor for alleged misconduct have continued to work around kids in other settings. 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. One said Lazzarini groped him through a hole in his pants. I would not have stayed silent, said Wendy in a phone interview with the Star. 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! High school student, convention boyfriend. 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. Specialties: Event Production Established in 2000. Break The Floor now draws around 300,000 dance students, some as . 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 Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a298e5fcfbebcbd About two decades ago, when she was a dance teacher accompanying her students to a Break the Floor event, she said she refused Stromings $500 offer to join him in his hotel room. JUMP is proud to integrate CODA into all its competition. The ultimate goal is winning first place under the spotlight at the annual Dance Awards. At Floor Productions we deliver best-in-class quality with the industries' best time-to-market project completion. Im not trying to bring this company down. Learn More About 24 Seven! The biggest problem facing the dance industry (and everything, quite frankly) is uncertainty. orlando, fl. A people person? 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 the years that followed, Hudson said Meismer continued to pursue him for sex. Nowhere in the world of education should students feel they are underneath the predators, he said. We have many different teams and departments who are in need of someone just like you! Entering a BTF event is like walking into a carnival. 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. - Interactive venue and exhibit hall map. 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. break the floor Blogs, Comments and Archive News on Economictimes.com . I just didnt know myself enough to understand how harmful it was, Hudson said. Schaufeld stopped dancing years ago and has no plans to return to the studio. We understand that some studios and families might not yet feel comfortable attending the in-person workshop. If an event changes from in-person to virtual, the difference in fees will be refunded within 7 business days of the event. In the months that followed, Ellis said he began accepting Lazzarinis advances, once making out in the choreographers hotel room during a work break. Competition routines will be uploaded to our website and judged virtually. 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. How? 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. He stopped eating and sleeping, and suffered from panic attacks, he said. 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). 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. Etc. Meismer asked the young dancer, then 17, to come to his home. Looking to travel? 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). Lavallee also said that Wall gave him ecstasy that night. The Break The Floor faculty can't wait to dance with you! If an event changes from in-person to virtual, the difference in fees will be . 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. And whats egregious about seeing it in the context of conventions is that it happens to kids. Phone Number 818.432.1234. Which in fact, he wasnt, Hudson said in his video, viewed over 6,300 times. 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 . join our mailing list Thank you. His mental health deteriorated. Now 25, Uchida grew up attending BTF conventions. 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. 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. 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. Harvey Weinstein sentenced to 16 years for rape, sexual assault www.floorproductionsllc.com. Mom Chief & Officer at Break The Floor Productions . The Stars prior investigation uncovered allegations that Lazzarini had subjected at least six dancers to unwanted sexual advances at Break The Floor events. The dance world, its not like its different than any other world, its just that theyve been able to keep their secrets longer.. Phone Number (706) 217-6462. Lavallee said they exchanged numbers, and over a few texts and calls, he agreed to become Walls dance assistant. Attendees squeeze into small ballrooms where choreographers teach classes. 5446 Satsuma Ave, N Hollywood, California, 91601, United States. The only reason I could think of was because we didnt take it further romantically. Break the Floor is the largest producer of dance conventions in the world with three dance conventions, JUMP, NUVO and 24 Seven Dance . BREAK THE FLOOR LIVE is now April 18-19! The company currently specializes in the Entertainment area. 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. 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. 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. 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. Through transparency, integrity, and professionalism, we believe we can become a model throughout the dance industry. He said he must have passed out and has no recollection of sending the text. In the text conversation, Hicks told Lonetree, I have a blow job with your name on it. Lonetree brushed off Hickss propositions over text, the texts show. Company Type For Profit. Break The Floor Productions. Hudson said he was optimistic. Allegations and Scandal Update. Get the latest business insights from Dun & Bradstreet. At her first company event, when she was 17, she and Stroming had oral sex, she said. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. Sexual abuse pervades the dance world, according to child advocates and industry leaders. Who would give someone Ecstacy in their parents home? Upload your resume. Your IP: 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. Thats what Gary Schaufeld says happened to him. We could have and should have done better. 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. He worked at a convention in Minneapolis, Minn., where he alleges a 31-year-old Lazzarini groped 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. I just knew after that the company was bad news and I wanted out.. Jackie Stroming's Phone Number and Email Last Update. 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. 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 post shared by Travis Wall (@traviswall). 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. Start of main content. Its touring conventions will make numerous stops this year, from Miami to Vancouver and Calgary to Anchorage, Alaska. 165.8K Followers. But he was uncomfortable when a dance teacher, Mark Meismer, in his early 30s, repeatedly told him how attractive he was. 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. 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.. 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. National News | [Winners] get the most attention and respect. JUMP/NUVO/24SEVEN/TDA.Watch the latest video from Break The Floor (@breakthefloor). Gabriel who has performed with Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Beyonc and more was recently removed from the JUMP faculty. 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. It has been humbling. Follow. Lavallee said Walls disappearance left him feeling unmoored and now feels he was being groomed for a sexual relationship. Find salaries. Employers / Post Job. On planes, Meismer would grope him in his seat, Hudson alleges. Button taught at Radix conventions. I totally feel like I was a headache [for Stroming], Lonetree said. He referred reporters to his lawyer, who didnt respond. Others did make allegations about BTF staff to owner and CEO Stroming, but their concerns were dismissed, allege two former staffers who say they were harassed on the job. 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 . Find top employees, contact details and business statistics at RocketReach. 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. Hicks, who was working as the convention announcer, was in his early 30s. 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. Hicks, meanwhile, continued to work at RADIX every season, through 2021. She says she didnt attend any auditions, and returned home devastated. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. He said that he and Lonetree flirted with one another before the text in question. Lindsey said he eventually sent nude photos back when he was 17. Learn how to leverage transparent company data at scale. How much do Break The Floor Productions employees make? Lonetree was 19. A Toronto-born teen alleged a famous choreographer propositioned her for sex just hours after judging her at a 2012 Break the Floor convention.