To surprise him, Hudson said Meismer would buy them matching outfits. Thats what Gary Schaufeld says happened to him. Three of these dancers were under 18. 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. Lawyers for Saradpon and the Buttons didnt respond to requests for comment. 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. 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. Meismer didnt respond to repeated requests for comment. 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. Meismer shushed him, he remembers, warning that someone was asleep in a nearby room. HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT, CONVENTION BOYFRIEND. 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. 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. Web820K views 4 years ago. He said he must have passed out and has no recollection of sending the text. Nowhere in the world of education should students feel they are underneath the predators, he said. 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. A Toronto-born teen alleged a famous choreographer propositioned her for sex just hours after judging her at a 2012 Break the Floor convention. 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. After But the secret ate away at him. This might just be his lucky break into professional dance. 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 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. His representatives at the MSA Agency also said they had no comment on his behalf. 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 dance world, its not like its different than any other world, its just that theyve been able to keep their secrets longer.. But at Meismers house, they didnt discuss work. 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. An Ottawa dancer working as an assistant for the company said the same choreographer groped him in public. He stopped eating and sleeping, and suffered from panic attacks, he said. He was born on 1986 in Budapest, Hungary which Hudson said he was optimistic. Maples mother, however, told the news organizations that she saw the photos when they appeared on shared photo albums on their familys home computer. 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. 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. 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. He added new conventions, and new locations, branching into Mexico, Costa Rica and Canada. One staff member said Stroming showed him a nude photo of one of the students. Mark grew up in Orange County, California where he trained for four years at the Orange County High School of the Arts. Mark Wood has been a revelation for Lucknow Super Giants this season BCCI. In dance studios, Hudson says Meismer would guide him into bathroom stalls for oral sex. The ultimate goal is winning first place under the spotlight at the annual Dance Awards. Lawyers for Saradpon and the Buttons didnt respond to requests for comment. Six 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. 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. Alumni and faculty have danced on stage with Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift, at the Oscars and the Super Bowl. He has danced in commercials for Dr. Pepper, Reebok, Pepsi, Toyota and Frito Lay. Gabriel who has performed with Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Beyonc and more was recently removed from the JUMP faculty. But he was uncomfortable when a dance teacher, Mark Meismer, in his early 30s, repeatedly told him how attractive he was. 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. 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. 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. Schaufeld stopped dancing years ago and has no plans to return to the studio. 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 declined repeated interview requests. In the years that followed, Hudson said Meismer continued to pursue him for sex. But he was uncomfortable when a dance teacher, Mark Meismer, in his early 30s, repeatedly told him how attractive he was. At her first company event, when she was 17, she and Stroming had oral sex, she said. 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. In the years that followed, Hudson said Meismer continued to pursue him for sex. WebMark Meismer. His picture and profile disappeared from the website, though there was no formal announcement of his departure. 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. 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. Another said Lazzarini texted her a nude selfie when she was 16. At 16, Hudson looked forward to the festive weekend gatherings. 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.. Stroming picked up Lazzarini at the height of his fame to join the convention circuit, teaching hundreds of thousands of aspiring young dancers. 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. AfterBuzz TV, the ESPN of TV Talk, and Dance Network, the digital network dedicated to showcasing all styles and genres of dance, proudly present To The Pointe with Kristyn Burtt, a show that goes behind the scenes in the commercial dance industry. : r/dancemoms 3 yr. ago by wistfullystressedout a genuine prodigy. But during a 2020 in-house training, a recording of which was reviewed by the AP and Star, Stroming addressed his own past misconduct. 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. 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. 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. Nowhere in the world of education should students feel they are underneath the predators, he said. 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. 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. His mental health deteriorated. Glenda was a 1967 graduate of Barbers Hill High School. His representatives at the MSA Agency also said they had no comment on his behalf. 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. Seven sources say they saw Stroming interact with students in ways that appeared intimate and inappropriate. An Ottawa dancer working as an assistant for the company said the same choreographer groped him in public. 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. Alumni and faculty have danced on stage with Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift, at the Oscars and the Super Bowl. I just didnt know myself enough to understand how harmful it was, Hudson said. On planes, Meismer would grope him in his seat, Hudson alleges. He called me his convention boyfriend, recalled Hudson. Afterwards, Schaufeld said Wallace told him never to say anything; it would be bad for both of their careers. 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.. After all, Meismer was already an icon; he had toured with Britney Spears, Madonna and Paula Abdul. And five dancers are suing former Boston Ballet star Dusty Button and her husband, alleging sexual abuse and assault. 25-Apr-2023. He was born Aug. 13, 1936 in Nada to Joseph and Ann Leopold Meismer. At least four people removed from Break The Floor for alleged misconduct have continued to work around kids in other settings. In his first 10 days as CEO, he said four people were let go.. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. I didnt know how inappropriate that was.. 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. 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. On planes, Meismer would grope him in his seat, Hudson alleges. Stroming was three years older, she said, a magnetic 19-year-old running the whole show. Another said Lazzarini texted her a nude selfie when she was 16. He said he must have passed out and has no recollection of sending the text. The next morning, Stroming left abruptly for Las Vegas and handed her $40 for a cab ride back to the airport. 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 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. Former Break The Floor instructors have been accused of abusing young dancers in other settings. WATCH: Why we feel better after dancing But at Meismers 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). 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. WebIn dance studios, Hudson says Meismer would guide him into bathroom stalls for oral sex. 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. WebDiscover 9 famous people who were born in Lakewood, CA including Lisa Fernandez, Mark Meismer, Jon Singleton, Bobby Crosby, Bryce Xavier, Bryton James, Niki Withers, Greg LeMond and many more. 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. 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. Hudson said he was optimistic. This might just be his lucky break into professional dance. He added new conventions, and new locations, branching into Mexico, Costa Rica and Canada. James Lawrence Meismer, 73, of Brazoria, passed away Sunday, May 23, 2010 at Sweeny House in Sweeny. 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. 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. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 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. 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. Glenda Carol (Butler) Meismer, 63, of La Grange, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012. 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). WebMark Matthew Meismer is a choreographer who was responsible for Gavin's solo in the episode Blame It on the New Girl. Break the Floor helped launch his career, but an alleged assault by one of its star dancers continues to haunt him. Travis Wall and Nick Lazzarinni of Break the Floor accused o 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.. We've received your submission. This is an event that you don't want to miss! A third said he and Lazzarini exchanged nude photos when he was 17. 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. 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.. We will continue to update details on Mark Meismers family. 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. Mark Meismer hails from Lakewood, California, United States. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. I was frozen in my own skin, I didnt know what to do, Schaufeld said. Sexual abuse pervades the dance world, according to child advocates and industry leaders. 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. 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. 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. His picture and profile disappeared from the website, though there was no formal announcement of his departure. He stopped eating and sleeping, and suffered from panic attacks, he said. After all, Meismer was already an icon; he had toured with Britney Spears, Madonna and Paula Abdul. 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. 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. Mark has choreographed for the TV shows: Scrubs, Dancing with the Stars, and The George Lopez Show. Hudson alleges Meismer pushed him against a wall and performed oral sex on him. Meismer shushed him, he remembers, warning that someone was asleep in a nearby room. In the years that followed, Hudson said Meismer continued to pursue him for sex. In dance studios, Hudson says Meismer would guide him into bathroom stalls for oral sex. Glenda was born in Baytown on Oct. 21, 1948, the daughter of James Jim and Eva Lee (Bradford) Butler. I took the word of this choreographer and thought he was helping me build a dance career. Nowhere in the world of education should students feel they are underneath the predators, he said. 17.7K subscribers. He was born on June 19, 1973 and his birthplace is Lakewood, CA. And whats egregious about seeing it in the context of conventions is that it happens to kids. 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. That night, they had sex in his apartment. 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. Afterwards, Schaufeld said Wallace told him never to say anything; it would be bad for both of their careers. 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.. 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.. He is no longer with the company, according to Break the Floor. 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. To surprise him, Hudson said Meismer would buy them matching outfits. (AP Photo/John Minchillo), Gary Schaufeld pauses as he describes his time performing in dance competitions as a young performer, Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022, at his home in Port Jefferson, N.Y. Schaufeld stopped dancing years ago and has no plans to return to the studio. That night, they had sex in his apartment. I was frozen in my own skin, I didnt know what to do, Schaufeld said. Thanks for contacting us. Meismer shushed him, he remembers, warning that someone was asleep in a nearby room. 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. Seven sources say they saw Stroming interact with students in ways that appeared intimate and inappropriate. 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. He is no longer with the company, according to Break The Floor. Each of them has since left the company amid allegations of sexual misconduct. Hed toured with Britney Spears, Madonna and Paula Abdul. Seven sources say they saw Stroming interact with students in ways that appeared intimate and inappropriate. 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. At 16, Hudson looked forward to the festive weekend gatherings. The dance world, its not like its different than any other world, its just that theyve been able to keep their secrets longer.. 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. 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 hosts conventions in cities across North America, putting on events in hotel ballrooms every weekend over the course of a six-month season. But at Meismers house, they didnt discuss work. Hudson alleges Meismer pushed him against a wall and performed oral sex on him. Meismer shushed him, he remembers, warning that someone was asleep in a nearby room. But at Meismers house, they didnt discuss work. 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 Schaufeld stopped dancing years ago and has no plans to return to the studio. Gallery To view the gallery for Liza Smith, click here. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. And so Schaufeld stayed quiet. It was my church, he said, but now the whole dance scene feels dirty and tainted.. Lilli Maples had taken classes with Gabriel since she was 10 years old. Meismer didnt respond to repeated requests for comment. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/26/2023). 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 next morning, Stroming left abruptly for Las Vegas and handed her $40 for a cab ride back to the airport. Richard "Dick" MeismerMETAMORA - Richard A. 2018 Winter Intensive at The Brea Space with Beautiful Mark Meismer's Choreography. Each of them has since left the company amid allegations of sexual misconduct. And so Schaufeld stayed quiet. Learn more about policies and standards in APs Statement of News Values and Principles. And whats egregious about seeing it in the context of conventions is that it happens to kids. A year later, Hudson stayed with Meismer when he joined Break The Floors fledgling NUVO convention as part of its original lineup of instructors. transcenDANCE is the next biggest dance event in the Philippines featuring dance masters from different parts of the world. I just didnt know myself enough to understand how harmful it was, Hudson said. WebOn Dance Moms Kim can briefly be seen in Abby Strikes Back, when her daughter impresses Abby at auditions. Alumni and faculty have danced on stage with Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift, at the Oscars and the Super Bowl. I just didnt know myself enough to understand how harmful it was, Hudson said. 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. 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. This story was reported in partnership with the Toronto Star. In 2018, 14 years after the incident, he decided to tell his family, and confront tap dancer Danny Wallace directly. Seven sources say they saw Stroming interact with students in ways that appeared intimate and inappropriate. A year later, Hudson stayed with Meismer when he joined Break The Floors fledgling NUVO convention as part of its original lineup of instructors. 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.. Mark has been dancing professionally for nineteen years. 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. Subscribe. Thank you for everyone who has supported me all these A third said he and Lazzarini exchanged nude photos when he was 17. 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. The Southern California News Group is one of them. But he was uncomfortable when a dance teacher, Mark Meismer, in his early 30s, repeatedly told him how attractive he was. It was my church, he said, but now the whole dance scene feels dirty and tainted.. Another said Lazzarini texted her a nude selfie when she was 16. 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. Former Break The Floor instructors have been accused of abusing young dancers in other settings. She says she didnt attend any auditions, and returned home devastated.
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