Stroming declined repeated interview requests. 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. 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.. Wall did not respond to detailed questions sent by The Star, and said only the accusations against me are false, in a statement through a publicist. Not saying it definitely never happened, but I need more proof before Im willing to label Wall or anyone else a predator. 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. Legal Name Break The Floor Productions. Break The Floor Productions uses 14 technology products and services including HTML5, jQuery, and Google Analytics, according to G2 Stack. 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. His mental health deteriorated. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. 24 Seven Dance Convention But he was uncomfortable when a dance teacher, Mark Meismer, in his early 30s, repeatedly told him how attractive he was. Find company research, competitor information, contact details & financial data for Break The Floor Productions LLC of Los Angeles, CA. I was frozen in my own skin, I didnt know what to do, Schaufeld said. 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. We were doing hand massages, which just creeps me out now, he said. The Stars prior investigation uncovered allegations that Lazzarini had subjected at least six dancers to unwanted sexual advances at Break The Floor events. 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. Please know, the Break The Floor team is committed to bringing you the safest, most organized and exceptional events in the dance industry. Russell Geyser - CEO at Break The Floor Productions | The Org He was inviting her to his hotel room. Company Sold Dream of Fame. Dancers Call It a Nightmare - Newser Lazzarini would laugh and smile and would play it lighthearted so as to not take on the full responsibility of what he was doing, said Ellis. Following his bosss instruction, Ellis went back to his tasks at BTF. join our mailing list Contact Email info@breakthefloor.com. 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. How much do Break The Floor Productions employees make? 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. 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 . The only reason I could think of was because we didnt take it further romantically. BTFs website shows the company still employs Wall, who is currently scheduled to be part of a BTF-affiliated dance conventions 2021-2022 faculty. 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. He added new conventions, and new locations, branching into Mexico, Costa Rica and Canada. 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. Its the opposite of a zero tolerance policy, Ellis said. . I didnt really understand why communication was cut off. Description. 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. Hudson said he was optimistic. In the years that followed, Hudson said Meismer continued to pursue him for sex. 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. 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. Lindsey said he eventually sent nude photos back when he was 17. Jackie Stroming Email & Phone Number - Break Th.. | ZoomInfo 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. Afterwards, Schaufeld said Wallace told him never to say anything; it would be bad for both of their careers. His representatives at the MSA Agency also said they had no comment on his behalf. The Company encompasses dance workshops, competitions, touring theatrical and video . At Floor Productions we deliver best-in-class quality with the industries' best time-to-market project completion. A post shared by Break The Floor Productions (@breakthefloorprod). If an event changes from in-person to virtual, the difference in fees will be . Ellis started working for BTF in merchandising, selling clothing at events in 2015 when he was 19. So I think I always kind of accepted it as, it is what it is, you cant do anything about it. . 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.. 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. 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 that he and Lonetree flirted with one another before the text in question. But the secret ate away at him. Professional dancers suffer a wide swath of sexual predation from irritating flirtation to full-out devastating attacks. The Star has spoken to a friend of Lindseys who said they saw the texts and photos Lindsey and Lazzarini exchanged. Break the Floor helped launch his career, but an alleged assault by one of its star dancers continues to haunt him. What if we plan on it and they are cancelled again? - And more! Russell is known for a high level of professionalism in the entertainment industry. They provide amazing opportunities. 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. Etc. 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 . My Break The Floor | Photo & Video Saying Pennsylvania is in the midst of a workforce crisis, Gov. Two of the choreographers facing allegations of inappropriate sexual behaviour are listed as employees on the companys website. I apologize and sincerely regret that my actions have hurt people I cherish or has broken their trust. After he turned 18, he engaged in a consensual sexual relationship with Lazzarini. 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. 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. Meismer didnt respond to repeated requests for comment. Im not trying to bring this company down. Break The Floor - Apps on Google Play 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 . Lilli Maples had taken classes with Gabriel since she was 10 years old. To surprise him, Hudson said Meismer would buy them matching outfits. Reviews from Break The Floor Productions employees about Pay & Benefits. Another said Lazzarini texted her a nude selfie when she was 16. 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 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. She says she didnt attend any auditions, and returned home devastated. At her first company event, when she was 17, she and Stroming had oral sex, she said. Write a review. Operator of dance entertainment company committed to creating a dance culture. At least four people removed from Break The Floor for alleged misconduct have continued to work around kids in other settings. 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. Break The Floor Productions Email Format & Employee Directory | ContactOut My resolve is unwavering. Break The Floor Productions | PBS NewsHour Lets be responsible journalists, shall we? JUMP/NUVO/24SEVEN/TDA.Watch the latest video from Break The Floor (@breakthefloor). Stroming declined repeated interview requests. Check! Earlier this year, after Geyser took the helm as CEO, Break The Floor published a new code of conduct. Sign in. I just didnt know myself enough to understand how harmful it was, Hudson said. We and our third party vendors, like Google, use first party cookies (such as the Google Analytics cookie) and third party cookies (such as the DoubleClick cookie) to inform, optimize and serve ads based . A Toronto-born teen alleged a famous choreographer propositioned her for sex just hours after judging her at a 2012 Break the Floor convention. Thats what Gary Schaufeld says happened to him. We are committed to making studios and families feel confident and secure when registering for our events. 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. He also noted that he was not in a position of authority but in a first-year, entry-level position. Break The Floor LIVE | Virtual Dance Convention - YouTube One staff member said Stroming showed him a nude photo of one of the students. The AP and the Star haven't seen these messages because Maples said theyd been deleted. 24Seven 2021. He said he felt punished for dodging the alleged sexual advances. At the New York event in 2012, Clarke said she turned down Lazzarinis request to join him in his hotel room. However, Lavallee said Wall told him he had romantic feelings for him, and thought of him as his best friend. Now 25, Uchida grew up attending BTF conventions. CONTACT - Break the Floor Productions Break The Floor Productions AV Technician Hourly Pay 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. Keanu Uchida, photographed in Montreal, said many student dancers at Break the Floor endured inappropriate sexual advances from their instructors. 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.. We could have and should have done better. Get the latest business insights from Dun & Bradstreet. Break The Floor Productions Pay & Benefits reviews - Indeed Influential dance company bred culture of sex, silence, dancers say Break the Floors reach extends across the entertainment industry to some of the biggest names in music, television and social media. Afterwards, Schaufeld said Wallace told him never to say anything; it would be bad for both of their careers. Lawyers for Saradpon and the Buttons didnt respond to requests for comment. Which in fact, he wasnt, Hudson said in his video, viewed over 6,300 times. 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. If the in-person event is unable to be held, studios and dancers may choose to: Attend the event virtually (for a discounted rate). Headquarters. 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. Break The Floor - Break The Floor - Break the Floor Productions The whole story seems fishy. October 25 2021 2:20 PM EST. 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. Stroming did not respond to questions about this incident. 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. Lavallee said Wall flew him around the United States to help him teach choreography to youth in a dance studio and other conventions. What will the in-person events look like? Professional dancers suffer a wide swath of sexual predation from irritating flirtation to full-out devastating attacks. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Instinct Magazine 2023 - All Rights Reserved. That same year, Lavallee alleges a 24-year-old dancer forced himself onto a 16-year-old Lavallee at a party. A post shared by Travis Wall (@traviswall). 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 know this season will look a little different for now. The alleged victims story is shaky at best. 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. Phone Number 818.432.1234. Phone Number (706) 217-6462. Meismer didn't respond to repeated requests for comment. 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.. He referred reporters to his lawyer, who didnt respond. A third said he and Lazzarini exchanged nude photos when he was 17. (US Only) Harvey Weinstein sentenced to 16 years for rape, sexual assault Break the Floor founder, celebrity dance instructors face sexual misconduct allegations as the prominent company's crisis deepens. Operating Status Active. I just knew after that the company was bad news and I wanted out.. 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.. He was a teen in 2004, assisting a successful tap dancer named Danny Wallace, who wasn't with Break the Floor at the time, but would go on to run one of its subsidiary conventions. This might just be his lucky break into professional dance. All of our in-person events will now have a virtual option. Photos: Break the Floor, Joe Corrigan/Getty Images, Jason Kempin/Getty Images, Beau Campbell, Miss Toto Rodgers, KiLeigh Williams, ngel Vasquez, Lee Gumbs, Broderick Baumann. National News | This story was reported in partnership with the Toronto Star. If an event changes from in-person to virtual, the difference in fees will be refunded within 7 business days of the event. Break The Floor Productions | LinkedIn He is no longer with the company, according to Break The Floor. I didnt really understand why communication was cut off. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $(document).ready(function() {\n $('.SA_response-container').click(function() {\n $('.SA_hidden', this).toggle();\n });\n });\n ","wallHtmlBody":". The next morning, Stroming left abruptly for Las Vegas and handed her $40 for a cab ride back to the airport. 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. 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. We are truly heartbroken that anyone has been subject to inappropriate behaviour by any person associated with Break The Floor, the statement read. 10 Mar, 2022, 01.17 PM IST. . Gil Stroming, who recently sold the company he founded more . But at Meismers house, they didnt discuss work. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. Once you get a positive response, make sure to find out about the interview process at Break The Floor Productions and prepare for tough questions. Break the Floor Productions is one of the world's preeminent dance entertainment companies, encompassing dance conventions, touring theatrical productions, software, photo and video . Break The Floor Productions. Three of these dancers were under 18. <style>.g-image--loading{display:none;}</style> Break The Floor's Summer Jam 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. I didnt know how inappropriate that was.. Russell Geyser is the new CEO of Break the Floor Productions. Lavallee also said that Wall gave him ecstasy that night. Lavallee also revealed to The Star that Wall gave him ecstasy that night, and we were doing hand massages, which just creeps me out now. Lavallee told the Star he invited a friend to come over to divert where he felt the night was going and a few months later, Wall ceased all communication with him and didnt show up for a scheduled teaching session. Alumni and faculty have danced on stage with Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift, at the Oscars and the Super Bowl. Ellis alleges that Stroming decided there was no sexual harassment because Lazzarini never touched his genitals. j***@breakthefloor.com. Mom Chief & Officer at Break The Floor Productions . [Winners] get the most attention and respect. Meismer shushed him, he remembers, warning that someone was asleep in a nearby room. Travis has made some great dance routines and is a great dancer. Your IP: Our goal for this coming season is clear we are going to be holding all events, no matter what, GUARANTEED. 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. 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