One staff member said Stroming showed him a nude photo of one of the students. But the secret ate away at him. Thanks for contacting us. He is no longer with the company, according to Break the Floor. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 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. I just didnt know myself enough to understand how harmful it was, Hudson said. He stopped eating and sleeping, and suffered from panic attacks, he said. This might just be his lucky break into professional dance. Lawyers for Saradpon and the Buttons didnt respond to requests for comment. 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. 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. She married Michael Meismer on April 10, 1976 in El Campo. In his first 10 days as CEO, he said four people were let go.. That night, they had sex in his apartment. Button taught at Radix conventions. 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. Stroming was three years older, she said, a magnetic 19-year-old running the whole show. Maples mother, however, told the news organizations that she saw the photos when they appeared on shared photo albums on their familys home computer. Three of these dancers were under 18. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. In 2018, 14 years later, he decided to tell his family, and confront Wallace directly. In his first 10 days as CEO, he said four people were let go.. 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. Alumni and faculty have danced on stage with Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift, at the Oscars and the Super Bowl. The ultimate goal is winning first place under the spotlight at the annual Dance Awards. Hudson said he was optimistic. 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.. But during a 2020 in-house training, a recording of which was reviewed by the AP and Star, Stroming addressed his own past misconduct. The Stars prior investigation uncovered allegations that Lazzarini had subjected at least six dancers to unwanted sexual advances at Break the Floor events. In the years that followed, Hudson said Meismer continued to pursue him for sex. Mark Meismer fathers name is under review and mother unknown at this time. 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. The AP and the Star havent seen these messages because Maples said theyd been deleted. He added new conventions, and new locations, branching into Mexico, Costa Rica and Canada. 25-Apr-2023. 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. 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. Stroming picked up Lazzarini at the height of his fame to join the convention circuit, teaching hundreds of thousands of aspiring young dancers. But at Meismers house, they didnt discuss work. He is no longer with the company, according to Break The Floor. Break the Floors reach extends across the entertainment industry to some of the biggest names in music, television and social media. At 16, Hudson looked forward to the festive weekend gatherings. 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. I took the word of this choreographer, and thought he was helping me build a dance career. Break the Floors reach extends across the entertainment industry to some of the biggest names in music, television and social media. I was definitely inappropriate myself in a lot of ways, he told his staff. She says she didnt attend any auditions, and returned home devastated. Former Break The Floor instructors have been accused of abusing young dancers in other settings. Button taught at Radix conventions. 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. 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. Meismer didnt respond to repeated requests for comment. She was first seen at pyramid when Abby introduced her and her daughter, "Chloe N." 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). Mark grew up in Orange County, California where he trained for four years at the Orange County High School of the Arts. The next morning, Stroming left abruptly for Las Vegas and handed her $40 for a cab ride back to the airport. After Mark Meismer was an actor who had a successful Hollywood career. Web820K views 4 years ago. 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.. 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. Facts. 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. Gabriel who has performed with Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Beyonc and more was recently removed from the JUMP faculty. 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. Glenda Carol (Butler) Meismer, 63, of La Grange, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012. This might just be his lucky break into professional dance. Each of them has since left the company amid allegations of sexual misconduct. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. He stopped eating and sleeping, and suffered from panic attacks, he said. Mark has been dancing professionally for nineteen years. however his biggest accomplishment and proudest achievement is being a dad to his beautiful daughter Ryan. This story was reported in partnership with the Toronto Star. 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. 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. Seven sources say they saw Stroming interact with students in ways that appeared intimate and inappropriate. WATCH: Why we feel better after dancing But at Meismers 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. Michael Joseph Meismer, 61 of Baytown, passed away on April 21, 2016. Which in fact, he wasnt, Hudson said in his video, viewed over 6,300 times. Button taught at Radix conventions. 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. Mark Meismer hails from Lakewood, California, United States. 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). 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. To surprise him, Hudson said Meismer would buy them matching outfits. To surprise him, Hudson said Meismer would buy them matching outfits. This story was reported in partnership with the Toronto Star. 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 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). 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. But at Meismers house, they didnt discuss work. Some of his TV credits include American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, Scrubs, Will and Grace, The George Lopez Show, Home Improvement, Mad About You, The Hughleys, The MTV Video Music Awards, The American Music Awards, The VH1 Vogue Fashion Awards, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and the Rosie O'Donnell Show. 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. At 16, Hudson looked forward to the festive weekend gatherings. This might just be his lucky break into professional dance. Break the Floors reach extends across the entertainment industry to some of the biggest names in music, television and social media. On planes, Meismer would grope him in his seat, Hudson alleges. 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. HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT, CONVENTION BOYFRIEND. 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. 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.. 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 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 typically end with parents on the sidelines shooting photos of their beaming children in leotards and makeup, striking poses alongside famous choreographers and dancers. I just didnt know myself enough to understand how harmful it was, Hudson 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. Nowhere in the world of education should students feel they are underneath the predators, he said. I took the word of this choreographer, and thought he was helping me build a dance career. By JULIET LINDERMAN, MARTHA MENDOZA and MORGAN BOCKNEK | Associated Press and Toronto Star. 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. 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. 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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. Hudson alleges Meismer pushed him against a wall and performed oral sex on him. Hudson alleges Meismer pushed him against a wall and performed oral sex on him. Lawyers for Saradpon and the Buttons didnt respond to requests for comment. We've received your submission. [1] Outside the show, he has choreographed several of Button taught at Radix conventions. His mental health deteriorated. 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. I took the word of this choreographer, and thought he was helping me build a dance career. Stroming picked up Lazzarini at the height of his fame to join the convention circuit, teaching hundreds of thousands of aspiring young dancers. (AP Photo/John Minchillo), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news, By JULIET LINDERMAN, MARTHA MENDOZA and MORGAN BOCKNEK. A year later, Hudson stayed with Meismer when he joined Break The Floors fledgling NUVO convention as part of its original lineup of instructors. He is no longer with the company, according to Break The Floor. But the secret ate away at him. 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.. Kristyn chats with the hottest dancers and choreographers in the TV and film. 25-Apr-2023. 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. : r/dancemoms 3 yr. ago by wistfullystressedout a genuine prodigy. Each of them has since left the company amid allegations of sexual misconduct. "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 Another said Lazzarini texted her a nude selfie when she was 16. Sexual abuse pervades the dance world, according to child advocates and industry leaders. He stopped eating and sleeping, and suffered from panic attacks, he says. 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 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. Another said Lazzarini texted her a nude selfie when she was 16. 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. Seven sources say they saw Stroming interact with students in ways that appeared intimate and inappropriate. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 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. Three of these dancers were under 18. But at Meismers house, they didnt discuss work. Which in fact, he wasnt, Hudson said in his video, viewed over 6,300 times. Maples mother, however, told the news organizations that she saw the photos when they appeared on shared photo albums on their familys home computer. The AP and the Star havent seen these messages because Maples said theyd been deleted. You Ruin Me - Autumn Miller. In 2019, Stroming quietly fired him after he posted, then quickly removed, a video of himself masturbating on Instagram, as the Star previously reported. He was a teen in 2004, assisting a successful tap dancer named Danny Wallace. And so Schaufeld stayed quiet. I was definitely inappropriate myself in a lot of ways, he told his staff. WebLiza Smith is the mother of Chloe, who was a former guest dancer at Candy Apple's Dance Center and was later a guest dancer at JC's Broadway Dance Academy . He was born on November 3, 1954 in El Campo. After all, Meismer was already an icon; he had toured with Britney Spears, Madonna and Paula Abdul. He said he must have passed out and has no recollection of sending the text. Stroming declined repeated interview requests. Since 1846, AP has been covering the worlds biggest news events, committed to the highest standards of objective, accurate journalism. And five dancers are suing former Boston Ballet star Dusty Button and her husband, alleging sexual abuse and assault. Learn more about policies and standards in APs Statement of News Values and Principles. 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.. His biggest accomplishment and proudest achievement are being a dad to his beautiful daughter Ryan. An Ottawa dancer working as an assistant for the company said the same choreographer groped him in public. Meismer allegedly asked the young dancer, then 17, to come to his home. 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. Stroming was three years older, she said, a magnetic 19-year-old running the whole show. A third said he and Lazzarini exchanged nude photos when he was 17. After all, Meismer was already an icon; he had toured with Britney Spears, Madonna and Paula Abdul. 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. (AP Photo/John Minchillo). Mark Mester began his professional career as an intern at NBC News in New York City at the young age of 20. Mark worked as a reporter and presenter while he was at ABC affiliate KEYT-TV. The reporter credits his improvement in the sector to the time he spent in Santa Barbara where he got an opportunity to work with veterans at KEYT-TV. 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. She is also an active member of her dance studio, and her gleaming, hypnotic smile is featured in PDAs dance campaigns and promotional videos. Gabriel who has performed with Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Beyonc and more was recently removed from the JUMP faculty.
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