Hundreds of studios and schools from smaller communities bring teams of dancers to the events, branded by Stroming as JUMP, NUVO, 24seven, RADIX and DancerPalooza. In dance studios, Hudson says Meismer would guide him into bathroom stalls for oral sex. He stopped eating and sleeping, and suffered from panic attacks, he said. WebShe assists her mom, Krista Miller, on KBM Talent Events, and Mark Meismer on Nuvo Dance Convention, shes also represents the creative dance venue, The Brea Space and The Space TV. After all, Hudson said he was optimistic. Another said Lazzarini texted her a nude selfie when she was 16. A third said he and Lazzarini exchanged nude photos when he was 17. The AP and the Star spoke to the dancers father, who said that in the years following, she told him about these sexual interactions with Stroming, which left her deeply upset. 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. 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. 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. 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. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Lilli Maples had taken classes with Gabriel since she was 10 years old. 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. He was the assistant choreographer to Mia on Celine Dion's show A New Day in Las Vegas and has assisted Mia on the FOX TV reality show So You Think You Can Dance. 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. Weba genuine prodigy. Hamilton also said perpetrators in many youth-focused organizations use hotel rooms away from home to exploit the power imbalance between teachers and students. After all, Meismer was already an icon; he had toured with Britney Spears, Madonna and Paula Abdul. 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. A year later, Hudson stayed with Meismer when he joined Break The Floors fledgling NUVO convention as part of its original lineup of instructors. Dancers Whisper. 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. He is no longer with the company, according to Break the Floor. Professional dancers suffer a wide swath of sexual predation from irritating flirtation to full-out devastating attacks. The next day Meismer was removed from NUVOs website and abruptly left the tour. In 2018, 14 years later, he decided to tell his family, and confront Wallace directly. Hamilton also said perpetrators in many youth-focused organizations use hotel rooms away from home to exploit the power imbalance between teachers and students. 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. Some of Mark's film credits include Jackass 2, Austin Powers 2, Austin Powers 3 Goldmember, Starsky and Hutch, Gigli, North and A Time for Dancing. He added new conventions, and new locations, branching into Mexico, Costa Rica and Canada. 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. These retailers will take them, Dodger Stadium gondola may get shut down by city of LA, Homeboy Industries, Kings eliminated from playoffs after Game 6 loss to Oilers, How the Hollywood Bowl put together the ultimate party for Willie Nelsons 90th birthday, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. And five dancers are suing former Boston Ballet star Dusty Button and her husband, alleging sexual abuse and assault. WATCH: Why we feel better after dancing But at Meismers But during a 2020 in-house training, a recording of which was reviewed by the AP and Star, Stroming addressed his own past misconduct. His mental health deteriorated. 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. The next day Meismer was removed from NUVOs website and abruptly left the tour. Gallery To view the gallery for Liza Smith, click here. Another said Lazzarini texted her a nude selfie when she was 16. 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. Jocelyn Dowling. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. The problems date back to the founding of the North Hollywood-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. Sexual abuse pervades the dance world, according to child advocates and industry leaders. 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. Maples mother, however, told the news organizations that she saw the photos when they appeared on shared photo albums on their familys home computer. An Ottawa dancer working as an assistant for the company said the same choreographer groped him in public. Sexual abuse pervades the dance world, according to child advocates and industry leaders. This story was reported in partnership with the Toronto Star. Mark Meismer fathers name is under review and mother unknown at this time. Alumni and faculty have danced on stage with Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift, at the Oscars and the Super Bowl. The AP and the Star havent seen these messages because Maples said theyd been deleted. He has over 576k followers on 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. Afterwards, Schaufeld said Wallace told him never to say anything; it would be bad for both of their careers. I was definitely inappropriate myself in a lot of ways, he told his staff. At 16, Hudson looked forward to the festive weekend gatherings. Schaufeld stopped dancing years ago and has no plans to return to the studio. 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.. Glenda was a 1967 graduate of Barbers Hill High School. She says she didnt attend any auditions, and returned home devastated. But he was uncomfortable when a dance teacher, Mark Meismer, in his early 30s, repeatedly told him how attractive he was. But during a 2020 in-house training, a recording of which was reviewed by the AP and Star, Stroming addressed his own past misconduct. Carrie Fisher to Receive Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame: 'Long Overdue,' Says Mark Hamill. "Dick" Meismer, 84, of Metamora, IL, passed away at 9:26 p.m. on Monday, August 21, 2017, at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.He was born on That night, they had sex in his apartment. 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. 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. Break the Floors reach extends across the entertainment industry to some of the biggest names in music, television and social media. 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.. 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. Hundreds of studios and schools from smaller communities bring teams of dancers to the events, branded by Stroming as JUMP, NUVO, 24seven, RADIX and DancerPalooza. WebMark Meismer. I didnt know how inappropriate that was.. Afterwards, Schaufeld said Wallace told him never to say anything; it would be bad for both of their careers. I took the word of this choreographer and thought he was helping me build a dance career. This might just be his lucky break into professional dance. The AP and the Star spoke to the dancers father, who said that in the years following, she told him about these sexual interactions with Stroming, which left her deeply upset. Button taught at Radix conventions. His representatives at the MSA Agency also said they had no comment on his behalf. Facts. (AP Photo/John Minchillo), Old tap shoes rest on a chair as Gary Schaufeld describes his time as a young performer in dance competitions, Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022, at his home in Port Jefferson, N.Y. 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. This might just be his lucky break into professional dance. The Stars prior investigation uncovered allegations that Lazzarini had subjected at least six dancers to unwanted sexual advances at Break The Floor events. 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. 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. 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. Meismer asked the young dancer, then 17, to come to his home. It was my church, he said, but now the whole dance scene feels dirty and tainted.. Each of them has since left the company amid allegations of sexual misconduct. I took the word of this choreographer, and thought he was helping me build a dance career. 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. At least four people removed from Break The Floor for alleged misconduct have continued to work around kids in other settings. Mark Wood has been a revelation for Lucknow Super Giants this season BCCI. 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 This might just be his lucky break into professional dance. Glenda Carol (Butler) Meismer, 63, of La Grange, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012. LOS ANGELES Every year, one of the worlds leading dance competition companies sells the dream of Hollywood fame to hundreds of thousands of ambitious young dancers hoping to launch careers on television, in movies and on stage. Three of these dancers were under 18. We will continue to update details on Mark Meismers family. Lisa Fernandez, 52 February 22, 1971 Mark Meismer, 49 June 19, 1973 Jon Singleton, 31 September 18, 1991 Bobby Crosby, 43 January 12, 1980 Bryce Hundreds of studios and schools from smaller communities bring teams of dancers to the events, branded by Stroming as JUMP, NUVO, 24seven, RADIX and DancerPalooza. Lilli Maples had taken classes with Gabriel since she was 10 years old. 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. Which in fact, he wasnt, Hudson said in his video, viewed over 6,300 times. I was frozen in my own skin, I didnt know what to do, Schaufeld said. 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. 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. 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. Hundreds of studios and schools from smaller communities bring teams of dancers to the events, branded by Stroming as JUMP, NUVO, 24seven, RADIX and DancerPalooza. Break the Floor helped launch his career, but an alleged assault by one of its star dancers continues to haunt him. 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. Meismer allegedly asked the young dancer, then 17, to come to his home. Schaufeld stopped dancing years ago and has no plans to return to the studio. Thats what Gary Schaufeld says happened to him. 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. Thanks for contacting us. 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 was a retired pipefitter. In 2019, Stroming quietly fired him after he posted, then quickly removed, a video of himself masturbating on Instagram, as the Star previously reported. WebMark Meismer is a famous Dancer. 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. I took the word of this choreographer, and thought he was helping me build a dance career. [1] Outside the show, he has choreographed several of In the years that followed, Hudson said Meismer continued to pursue him for sex. 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. Learn more about policies and standards in APs Statement of News Values and Principles. 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., 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Santa Monica cops who ignored warnings that staffer allegedly molested boys should be prosecuted: lawyer, Westchester legislator resigns as leader amid allegations she mishandled ex-aides sexual misconduct case, Cheer coach Monica Aldama responds to wildly inaccurate sex assault lawsuit, NYC sicko who forced 68-year-old woman to perform sex act is busted: cops. The next morning, Stroming left abruptly for Las Vegas and handed her $40 for a cab ride back to the airport. 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. The ultimate goal is winning first place under the spotlight at the annual Dance Awards. Alumni and faculty have danced on stage with Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift, at the Oscars and the Super Bowl. WebOn Dance Moms Kim can briefly be seen in Abby Strikes Back, when her daughter impresses Abby at auditions. A Toronto-born teen alleged a famous choreographer propositioned her for sex just hours after judging her at a 2012 Break the Floor convention. 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. In dance studios, Hudson says Meismer would guide him into bathroom stalls for oral sex. We've received your submission. A Toronto-born teen alleged a famous choreographer propositioned her for sex just hours after judging her at a 2012 Break the Floor convention. 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. The next morning, Stroming left abruptly for Las Vegas and handed her $40 for a cab ride back to the airport. 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). Stroming declined repeated interview requests. 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.. 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. 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. WebThe studio of focus on Dance Moms Miami was stars dance studio, this was also Bradys studio before joining ALDC. But at Meismers house, they didnt discuss work. 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. 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. I was definitely inappropriate myself in a lot of ways, he told his staff. 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.. Hudson alleges Meismer pushed him against a wall and performed oral sex on him. Alumni and faculty have danced on stage with Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift, at the Oscars and the Super Bowl. He called me his convention boyfriend, recalled Hudson. 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. He was born on November 3, 1954 in El Campo. 2018 Winter Intensive at The Brea Space with Beautiful Mark Meismer's Choreography. In 2019, Stroming quietly fired him after he posted, then quickly removed, a video of himself masturbating on Instagram, as the Star previously reported. LOS ANGELES (AP) Every year, one of the worlds leading dance competition companies sells the dream of Hollywood fame to hundreds of thousands of ambitious young dancers hoping to launch careers on television, in movies and on stage. Mark was born in Lakewood, California, but raised in Cerritos one of Old tap shoes rest on a chair as Gary Schaufeld describes his time as a young performer in dance competitions, Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022, at his home in Port Jefferson, N.Y. And whats egregious about seeing it in the context of conventions is that it happens to kids. 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. 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. 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. I was frozen in my own skin, I didnt know what to do, Schaufeld said. 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. Which in fact, he wasnt, Hudson said in his video, viewed over 6,300 times. Break the Floor helped launch his career, but an alleged assault by one of its star dancers continues to haunt him. It was my church, he said, but now the whole dance scene feels dirty and tainted.. WebIn dance studios, Hudson says Meismer would guide him into bathroom stalls for oral sex. I didnt know how inappropriate that was.. He was born on June 19, 1973 and his birthplace is Lakewood, CA. Afterwards, Schaufeld said Wallace told him never to say anything; it would be bad for both of their careers. His picture and profile disappeared from the website, though there was no formal announcement of his departure. Stroming picked up Lazzarini at the height of his fame to join the convention circuit, teaching hundreds of thousands of aspiring young dancers. At her first company event, when she was 17, she and Stroming had oral sex, she said. She has received master class training with some of the industrys leading choreographers: Travis Wall, Mark Meismer, Will Loftis, Randi and Hefa, Denise Wall, and Amanda Cleghorn, to name a few. He called me his convention boyfriend, recalled Hudson. This might just be his lucky break into professional dance. Meismer shushed him, he remembers, warning that someone was asleep in a nearby room. He stopped eating and sleeping, and suffered from panic attacks, he said. Break the Floors reach extends across the entertainment industry to some of the biggest names in music, television and social media. This might just be his lucky break into professional dance. The dance world, its not like its different than any other world, its just that theyve been able to keep their secrets longer.. Meismer didnt respond to repeated requests for comment. To surprise him, Hudson said Meismer would buy them matching outfits. She was first seen at pyramid when Abby introduced her and her daughter, "Chloe N." It was my church, he said, but now the whole dance scene feels dirty and tainted. (AP Photo/John Minchillo). 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. 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. The actor revealed in October 2022 that he packed up his things and moved his family out of their plush $90 million California mansion in a bid for a better life.. 648K views 4 years ago. He has danced and worked with artists such as Celine Dion, Britney Spears, Ricky Martin, Madonna, Paula Abdul, Martina McBride and toured with Reba McEntire. In 2019, Stroming quietly fired him after he posted, then quickly removed, a video of himself masturbating on Instagram, as the Star previously reported. One said Lazzarini groped him through a hole in his pants. And whats egregious about seeing it in the context of conventions is that it happens to kids. Hudson alleges Meismer pushed him against a wall and performed oral sex on him. A Toronto-born teen alleged a famous choreographer propositioned her for sex just hours after judging her at a 2012 Break the Floor convention. 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. Meismer asked the young dancer, then 17, to come to his home. 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. This is an event that you don't want to miss! Gabriel who has performed with Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Beyonc and more was recently removed from the JUMP faculty. Mark has had a very diverse career in concert dance and commercial dance and was the artistic director of his own contemporary/commercial dance company called "Evolution". He referred reporters to his lawyer, who didnt respond. He said he must have passed out and has no recollection of sending the text. Lawyers for Saradpon and the Buttons didnt respond to requests for comment. James Lawrence Meismer, 73, of Brazoria, passed away Sunday, May 23, 2010 at Sweeny House in Sweeny. 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. And so Schaufeld stayed quiet. He was born on 1986 in Budapest, Hungary which His representatives at the MSA Agency also said they had no comment on his behalf. He is no longer with the company, according to Break The Floor. 25-Apr-2023. The AP and the Star spoke to the dancers father, who said that in the years following, she told him about these sexual interactions with Stroming, which left her deeply upset. And so Schaufeld stayed quiet. 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. His mental health deteriorated. : r/dancemoms 3 yr. ago by wistfullystressedout a genuine prodigy. 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. Back in March Elliana Walmsley, won first place with her solo "Existence pt2," choreographed by Mark Meismer at the prestigious ballet competition Youth American Grand prix (YAGP).
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