After all, Meismer was already an icon. Earlier this year, after Geyser took the helm as CEO, Break The Floor published a new code of conduct. He was a retired pipefitter. 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). 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. 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. His representatives at the MSA Agency also said they had no comment on his behalf. Thats what Gary Schaufeld says happened to him. 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. Meismer didnt respond to repeated requests for comment. 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. His picture and profile disappeared from the website, though there was no formal announcement of his departure. His mental health deteriorated. 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. 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 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. 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. She says she didnt attend any auditions, and returned home devastated. One staff member said Stroming showed him a nude photo of one of the students. Carrie Fisher to Receive Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame: 'Long Overdue,' Says Mark Hamill. Glenda Carol (Butler) Meismer, 63, of La Grange, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012. A Toronto-born teen alleged a famous choreographer propositioned her for sex just hours after judging her at a 2012 Break the Floor convention. You Ruin Me - Autumn Miller. On planes, Meismer would grope him in his seat, Hudson alleges. He called me his convention boyfriend, recalled Hudson. 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. Mega dance company bred culture of sex, silence, dancers say (AP Photo/John Minchillo), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news, By JULIET LINDERMAN, MARTHA MENDOZA and MORGAN BOCKNEK. 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. Sexual abuse pervades the dance world, according to child advocates and industry leaders. 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.. The next morning, Stroming left abruptly for Las Vegas and handed her $40 for a cab ride back to the airport. But he was uncomfortable when a dance teacher, Mark Meismer, in his early 30s, repeatedly told him how attractive he was. 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. He was a teen in 2004, assisting a successful tap dancer named Danny Wallace, who wasnt with Break the Floor at the time, but would go on to run one of its subsidiary conventions. 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. 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. 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. He said he must have passed out and has no recollection of sending the text. The dance world, its not like its different than any other world, its just that theyve been able to keep their secrets longer.. He is no longer with the company, according to Break the Floor. In 2019, Stroming quietly fired him after he posted, then quickly removed, a video of himself masturbating on Instagram, as the Star previously reported. At 16, Hudson looked forward to the festive weekend gatherings. 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. Which in fact, he wasnt, Hudson said in his video, viewed over 6,300 times. One said Lazzarini groped him through a hole in his pants. 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. 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. 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. In his first 10 days as CEO, he said four people were let go.. He called me his convention boyfriend, recalled Hudson. Hudson said he was optimistic. Three of these dancers were under 18. Mark Meismer (@markmeismer) Instagram photos and He added new conventions, and new locations, branching into Mexico, Costa Rica and Canada. On planes, Meismer would grope him in his seat, Hudson alleges. Break the Floor helped launch his career, but an alleged assault by one of its star dancers continues to haunt him. 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. Hudson said he was optimistic. Professional dancers suffer a wide swath of sexual predation from irritating flirtation to full-out devastating attacks. 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. It was my church, he said, but now the whole dance scene feels dirty and tainted.. Mark Meismer | West Coast Elite Dance, Inc. Mark In 2018, 14 years after the incident, he decided to tell his family, and confront tap dancer Danny 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. To surprise him, Hudson said Meismer would buy them matching outfits. In 2018, 14 years later, he decided to tell his family, and confront Wallace directly. To surprise him, Hudson said Meismer would buy them matching outfits. I was frozen in my own skin, I didnt know what to do, Schaufeld said. Button taught at Radix conventions. Luca Brecel faces one of snookers toughest tests in Mark Selby at the Crucible (Pictures: Getty) Styles dont clash much more than the two involved in this years World 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. 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. The next day Meismer was removed from NUVOs website and abruptly left the tour. He was a teen in 2004, assisting a successful tap dancer named Danny Wallace, who wasnt with Break the Floor at the time but would go on to run one of its subsidiary conventions. (AP Photo/John Minchillo), Gary Schaufeld displays images from his time performing in youth dance competitions, Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022, at his home in Port Jefferson, N.Y. A secret ate away at him. Nowhere in the world of education should students feel they are underneath the predators, he said. I was frozen in my own skin, I didnt know what to do, Schaufeld said. Nowhere in the world of education should students feel they are underneath the predators, he said. 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". They return in Clash of the Chloes, an episode named after her daughter Chloe, and Christi 's competing daughter also named Chloe. The next day Meismer was removed from NUVOs website and abruptly left the tour. 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. He was a teen in 2004, assisting a successful tap dancer named Danny Wallace, who wasnt with Break the Floor at the time, but would go on to run one of its subsidiary conventions. Six Hudson said he was optimistic. And so Schaufeld stayed quiet. You Ruin Me - Autumn Miller - YouTube Thank you for everyone who has supported me all these He was born on 1986 in Budapest, Hungary which Since 1846, AP has been covering the worlds biggest news events, committed to the highest standards of objective, accurate journalism. 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. Mark Meismer fathers name is under review and mother unknown at this time. He graduated from Sterling High School and Lee College in Baytown. In the opening segment of the April 17 episode, the camera panned to the audience where Mark and Kelly's daughter Lola Consuelos, 21, was sitting in the front row. 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. 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. In the years that followed, Hudson said Meismer continued to pursue him for sex. 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. On planes, Meismer would grope him in his seat, Hudson alleges. This story was reported in partnership with the Toronto Star. Meismer 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.. He referred reporters to his lawyer, who didnt respond. 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. Still, he accepted a sought-after opportunity to assist Meismer as they toured various studios and conventions together. 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. But during a 2020 in-house training, a recording of which was reviewed by the AP and Star, Stroming addressed his own past misconduct. 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. And five dancers are suing former Boston Ballet star Dusty Button and her husband, alleging sexual abuse and assault. Mark Meismer On planes, Meismer would grope him in his seat, Hudson alleges. The Associated Press is an independent, not-for-profit news cooperative, serving member newspapers and broadcasters in the U.S., and other customers around the world. It was my church, he said, but now the whole dance scene feels dirty and tainted. (AP Photo/John Minchillo). His representatives at the MSA Agency also said they had no comment on his behalf. The AP and the Star havent seen these messages because Maples said theyd been deleted. But at Meismers house, they didnt discuss work. In the years that followed, Hudson said Meismer continued to pursue him for sex. Another said Lazzarini texted her a nude selfie when she was 16. On planes, Meismer would grope him in his seat, Hudson alleges. 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. Mega dance company bred culture of sex, silence, 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.. 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. Another said Lazzarini texted her a nude selfie when she was 16. 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. Break the Floor helped launch his career, but an alleged assault by one of its star dancers continues to haunt him. Faculty 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.. 2018 Winter Intensive at The Brea Space with Beautiful Mark Meismer's Choreography. 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. Button taught at Radix conventions. 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. The ultimate goal is winning first place under the spotlight at the annual Dance Awards. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. He was a teen in 2004, assisting a successful tap dancer named Danny Wallace. Stroming picked up Lazzarini at the height of his fame to join the convention circuit, teaching hundreds of thousands of aspiring young dancers. 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. WebThe studio of focus on Dance Moms Miami was stars dance studio, this was also Bradys studio before joining ALDC. Mark was born in Lakewood, California, but raised in Cerritos one of The AP and the Star havent seen these messages because Maples said theyd been deleted. 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. 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. The next morning, Stroming left abruptly for Las Vegas and handed her $40 for a cab ride back to the airport. Break the Floors reach extends across the entertainment industry to some of the biggest names in music, television and social media. One said Lazzarini groped him through a hole in his pants. But during a 2020 in-house training, a recording of which was reviewed by the AP and Star, Stroming addressed his own past misconduct. I took the word of this choreographer and thought he was helping me build a dance career. The AP and the Star havent seen these messages because Maples said theyd been deleted. 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. Sexual abuse pervades the dance world, according to child advocates and industry leaders. This story was reported as a partnership between The Associated Press and the Toronto Star, The company was launched 22 years ago by a charismatic dancer, Gil Stroming, who came to fame in the 1990s, performing in the off-Broadway show Tap Dogs, described in The New York Times as a beefcake tap-a-thon.. In the opening segment of the April 17 episode, the camera panned to the audience where Mark and Kelly's daughter Lola Consuelos, 21, was sitting in the front 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. And whats egregious about seeing it in the context of conventions is that it happens to kids. Gallery To view the gallery for Liza Smith, click here. Lawyers for Saradpon and the Buttons didnt respond to requests for comment. At her first company event, when she was 17, she and Stroming had oral sex, she said. 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. Web1.9m Followers, 359 Following, 3,362 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Mark Meismer (@markmeismer) A year later, Hudson stayed with Meismer when he joined Break The Floors fledgling NUVO convention as part of its original lineup of instructors. But the secret ate away at him. This might just be his lucky break into professional dance. Three of these dancers were under 18. He said he must have passed out and has no recollection of sending the text. (AP Photo/John Minchillo). In 2019, Stroming quietly fired him after he posted, then quickly removed, a video of himself masturbating on Instagram, as the Star previously reported. Button taught at Radix conventions. In the opening segment of the April 17 episode, the camera panned to the audience where Mark and Kelly's daughter Lola Consuelos, 21, was sitting in the front row. External Links Twitter page [1] Instagram account [2] 5 minute intervew of Chloe' and Liza, by JJ Snyder at the grand opening of ALDC LA. 17.7K subscribers. 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.. 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. 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.. 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.. He was born on June 19, 1973 and his birthplace is Lakewood, CA. WebMark Meismer is a famous Dancer. 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. Which in fact, he wasnt, Hudson said in his video, viewed over 6,300 times. 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. His mental health deteriorated. Sexual abuse pervades the dance world, according to child advocates and industry leaders. Maples mother, however, told the news organizations that she saw the photos when they appeared on shared photo albums on their familys home computer. Break the Floors reach extends across the entertainment industry to some of the biggest names in music, television and social media. Meismer shushed him, he remembers, warning that someone was asleep in a nearby room. 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. A third said he and Lazzarini exchanged nude photos when he was 17. Break the Floors reach extends across the entertainment industry to some of the biggest names in music, television and social media. Thats what Gary Schaufeld says happened to him. 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. Maples mother, however, told the news organizations that she saw the photos when they appeared on shared photo albums on their familys home computer. 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 unsightly wave of trash washing up on North Carolinas Outer Banks has been linked to a U.S. Navy ship, according to the National Park Service. Meismer didnt respond to repeated requests for comment. He stopped eating and sleeping, and suffered from panic attacks, he said. This might just be his lucky break into professional dance. Mark grew up in Orange County, California where he trained for four years at the Orange County High School of the Arts. After Mark Wood has been a revelation for Lucknow Super Giants this season BCCI. Seven sources say they saw Stroming interact with students in ways that appeared intimate and inappropriate. Meismer asked the young dancer, then 17, to come to his home. Break the Floor helped launch his career, but an alleged assault by one of its star dancers continues to haunt him. 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. Stroming declined repeated interview requests. After Michael Joseph Meismer, 61 of Baytown, passed away on April 21, 2016. Gabriel who has performed with Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Beyonc and more was recently removed from the JUMP faculty. 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. 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. however his biggest accomplishment and proudest achievement is being a dad to his beautiful daughter Ryan. The AP and the Star havent seen these messages because Maples said theyd been deleted. I just didnt know myself enough to understand how harmful it was, Hudson said. Martha focuses on justice, accountability and transparency. 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. The Stars prior investigation uncovered allegations that Lazzarini had subjected at least six dancers to unwanted sexual advances at Break The Floor events. 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. 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. In 2018, 14 years later, he decided to tell his family, and confront Wallace directly. 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.
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