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. (AP Photo/John Minchillo), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news, By JULIET LINDERMAN, MARTHA MENDOZA and MORGAN BOCKNEK. Former Break The Floor instructors have been accused of abusing young dancers in other settings. That night, they had sex in his apartment. 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. In 2018, 14 years later, he decided to tell his family, and confront Wallace directly. 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. After all, Meismer was already an icon; he had toured with Britney Spears, Madonna and Paula Abdul. (AP Photo/John Minchillo), Gary Schaufeld shows a video of him winning a dance competition in his youth as he describes his time performing, Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022, at his home in Port Jefferson, N.Y. A secret ate away at him. Stroming picked up Lazzarini at the height of his fame to join the convention circuit, teaching hundreds of thousands of aspiring young dancers. Stroming declined repeated interview requests. Meismer asked the young dancer, then 17, to come to his home. 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. One staff member said Stroming showed him a nude photo of one of the students. She is also an active member of her dance studio, and her gleaming, hypnotic smile is featured in PDAs dance campaigns and promotional videos. 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 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 day Meismer was removed from NUVOs website and abruptly left the tour. Stroming was three years older, she said, a magnetic 19-year-old running the whole show. 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. 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.. WebMark Meismer. 25-Apr-2023. After To surprise him, Hudson said Meismer would buy them matching outfits. Joey has been performing, choreographing and teaching in NYC for the Liza Smith In the years that followed, Hudson said Meismer continued to pursue him for sex. Influential dance company bred culture of sex, silence, 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. Earlier this year, after Geyser took the helm as CEO, Break The Floor published a new code of conduct. Professional dancers suffer a wide swath of sexual predation from irritating flirtation to full-out devastating attacks. 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. But he was uncomfortable when a dance teacher, Mark Meismer, in his early 30s, repeatedly told him how attractive he was. 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. At least four people removed from Break The Floor for alleged misconduct have continued to work around kids in other settings. Seven sources say they saw Stroming interact with students in ways that appeared intimate and inappropriate. Three of these dancers were under 18. He has a daughter named Ryan. That night, they had sex in his apartment. 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.. 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. Mega dance company bred culture of sex, silence, 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. And whats egregious about seeing it in the context of conventions is that it happens to kids. 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. He stopped eating and sleeping, and suffered from panic attacks, he said. At 16, Hudson looked forward to the festive weekend gatherings. But he was uncomfortable when a dance teacher, Mark Meismer, in his early 30s, repeatedly told him how attractive he was. Still, he accepted a sought-after opportunity to assist Meismer as they toured various studios and conventions together. 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. 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. Nowhere in the world of education should students feel they are underneath the predators, he said. 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 allegedly asked the young dancer, then 17, to come to his home. At least four people removed from Break the Floor for alleged misconduct have continued to work around kids in other settings. A year later, Hudson stayed with Meismer when he joined Break The Floors fledgling NUVO convention as part of its original lineup of instructors. The ultimate goal is winning first place under the spotlight at the annual Dance Awards. He is no longer with the company, according to Break The Floor. Richard "Dick" MeismerMETAMORA - Richard A. He stopped eating and sleeping, and suffered from panic attacks, he says. This story was reported in partnership with the Toronto Star. 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. To surprise him, Hudson said Meismer would buy them matching outfits. Since 1846, AP has been covering the worlds biggest news events, committed to the highest standards of objective, accurate journalism. On planes, Meismer would grope him in his seat, Hudson alleges. Mark Mark Meismer Net Worth, Age, Bio, Birthday, Height, Facts The dance world, its not like its different than any other world, its just that theyve been able to keep their secrets longer.. In 2018, 14 years after the incident, he decided to tell his family, and confront tap dancer Danny Wallace directly. 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 the secret ate away at 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. The AP and the Star havent seen these messages because Maples said theyd been deleted. 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He added new conventions, and new locations, branching into Mexico, Costa Rica and Canada. 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 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). In his first 10 days as CEO, he said four people were let go.. His representatives at the MSA Agency also said they had no comment on his behalf. Break the Floor helped launch his career, but an alleged assault by one of its star dancers continues to haunt 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). 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. On planes, Meismer would grope him in his seat, Hudson alleges. WebMark 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. I just didnt know myself enough to understand how harmful it was, Hudson said. Professional dancers suffer a wide swath of sexual predation from irritating flirtation to full-out devastating attacks. Thats what Gary Schaufeld says happened to him. 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. Mrs. Meismer was a graduate of Hoke County High School. WebHe has a daughter named Ryan. 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. 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. She was first seen at pyramid when Abby introduced her and her daughter, "Chloe N." WebIn dance studios, Hudson says Meismer would guide him into bathroom stalls for oral sex. 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. WebThe studio of focus on Dance Moms Miami was stars dance studio, this was also Bradys studio before joining ALDC. He was a teen in 2004, assisting a successful tap dancer named Danny Wallace. The ultimate goal is winning first place under the spotlight at the annual Dance Awards. He was born Aug. 13, 1936 in Nada to Joseph and Ann Leopold Meismer. 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. 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. This is an event that you don't want to miss! Break the Floors reach extends across the entertainment industry to some of the biggest names in music, television and social media. Three of these dancers were under 18. 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. Born Sept. 27, 1933, in Hoke County, she was the daughter of the late George Dewey Dees Sr. and Ottie Long Dees. Facts. In dance studios, Hudson says Meismer would guide him into bathroom stalls for oral sex. 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. Billie Lourd will accept the honor on behalf of her late mother Carrie Fisher on Star Wars Day, May 4 Sexual abuse pervades the dance world, according to child advocates and industry leaders. In 2019, Stroming quietly fired him after he posted, then quickly removed, a video of himself masturbating on Instagram, as the Star previously reported. 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. 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. 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. Mark grew up in Orange County, California where he trained for four years at the Orange County High School of the Arts. 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. Mark Meismer - Rotten Tomatoes Lawyers for Saradpon and the Buttons didnt respond to requests for comment. 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. One said Lazzarini groped him through a hole in his pants. To contact APs investigations team, please write to investigative@ap.org, Follow the journalists on Twitter @julietlinderman, @mendozamartha, and @mobocks. 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. This might just be his lucky break into professional dance. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Hudson alleges Meismer pushed him against a wall and performed oral sex on him. 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 said he was optimistic. 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. One staff member said Stroming showed him a nude photo of one of the students. 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. 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. 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. Each of them has since left the company amid allegations of sexual misconduct. 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. 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. 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. And so Schaufeld stayed quiet. 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. He added new conventions, and new locations, branching into Mexico, Costa Rica and Canada. Mark Meismer was an actor who had a successful Hollywood career. 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. 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. One staff member said Stroming showed him a nude photo of one of the students. Afterwards, Schaufeld said Wallace told him never to say anything; it would be bad for both of their careers. We will continue to update details on Mark Meismers family. Which in fact, he wasnt, Hudson said in his video, viewed over 6,300 times. In 2018, 14 years later, he decided to tell his family, and confront Wallace directly. WebMark Meismer. His picture and profile disappeared from the website, though there was no formal announcement of his departure. The next morning, Stroming left abruptly for Las Vegas and handed her $40 for a cab ride back to the airport. Button taught at Radix conventions. Dancers call out culture of silence and mistrust - PressReader In his first 10 days as CEO, he said four people were let go.. a genuine prodigy. Back in March Elliana Walmsley, won first 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). Mark He was born on 1986 in Budapest, Hungary which North Hollywood-based dance company bred culture of [1] Outside the show, he has choreographed several of I took the word of this choreographer and thought he was helping me build a dance career. Hamilton also said perpetrators in many youth-focused organizations use hotel rooms away from home to exploit the power imbalance between teachers and students. (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. At 16, Hudson looked forward to the festive weekend gatherings. 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. 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. 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. WATCH: Why we feel better after dancing But at Meismers One said Lazzarini groped him through a hole in his pants. Trash found along Outer Banks tied to Navy ship, park says The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. She says she didnt attend any auditions, and returned home devastated. Is Luca Brecel the silver bullet to slay the monster Mark Selby? 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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 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. Stroming was three years older, she said, a magnetic 19-year-old running the whole show. I was definitely inappropriate myself in a lot of ways, he told his staff. Still, he accepted a sought-after opportunity to assist Meismer as they toured various studios and conventions together. Hudson said he was optimistic. Alumni and faculty have danced on stage with Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift, at the Oscars and the Super Bowl. The Cherie Johnson Story, Part I
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