The next morning, Stroming left abruptly for Las Vegas and handed her $40 for a cab ride back to the airport. 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. 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. 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 he was uncomfortable when a dance teacher, Mark Meismer, in his early 30s, repeatedly told him how attractive he was. Hudson alleges Meismer pushed him against a wall and performed oral sex on him. A Toronto-born teen alleged a famous choreographer propositioned her for sex just hours after judging her at a 2012 Break the Floor convention. Nowhere in the world of education should students feel they are underneath the predators, he said. She was first seen at pyramid when Abby introduced her and her daughter, "Chloe N." But after speaking with the AP and the Star in February, Hudson went public and shared his experience in an emotional Instagram video, without naming Meismer. One staff member said Stroming showed him a nude photo of one of the students. 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. And so Schaufeld stayed quiet. But he was uncomfortable when a dance teacher, Mark Meismer, in his early 30s, repeatedly told him how attractive he was. 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. After 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.. WebMark Meismer is a famous Dancer. (AP Photo/John Minchillo). That night, they had sex in his apartment. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 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. Mark is also an original member of Mia Michaels's dance company "RAW" based out of New York City. Still, he accepted a sought-after opportunity to assist Meismer as they toured various studios and conventions together. 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. Gabriel who has performed with Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Beyonc and more was recently removed from the JUMP faculty. In the years that followed, Hudson said Meismer continued to pursue him for sex. This might just be his lucky break into professional dance. The Stars prior investigation uncovered allegations that Lazzarini had subjected at least six dancers to unwanted sexual advances at Break The Floor events. Earlier this year, after Geyser took the helm as CEO, Break the Floor published a new code of conduct. Richard "Dick" MeismerMETAMORA - Richard A. 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. I didnt know how inappropriate that was.. 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.. The dance world, its not like its different than any other world, its just that theyve been able to keep their secrets longer.. One staff member said Stroming showed him a nude photo of one of the students. He called me his convention boyfriend, recalled Hudson. Meismer shushed him, he remembers, warning that someone was asleep in a nearby room. Still, he accepted a sought-after opportunity to assist Meismer as they toured various studios and conventions together. At 16, Hudson looked forward to the festive weekend gatherings. 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.. 9.6K. 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. 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 . A year later, Hudson stayed with Meismer when he joined Break The Floors fledgling NUVO convention as part of its original lineup of instructors. Meismer didnt respond to repeated requests for comment. She is also an active member of her dance studio, and her gleaming, hypnotic smile is featured in PDAs dance campaigns and promotional videos. 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. 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. Carrie Fisher to Receive Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame: 'Long Overdue,' Says Mark Hamill. 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. Alumni and faculty have danced on stage with Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift, at the Oscars and the Super Bowl. 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. And five dancers are suing former Boston Ballet star Dusty Button and her husband, alleging sexual abuse and assault. Three of these dancers were under 18. 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. 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. 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. His representatives at the MSA Agency also said they had no comment on his behalf. 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. however his biggest accomplishment and proudest achievement is being a dad to his beautiful daughter Ryan. At her first company event, when she was 17, she and Stroming had oral sex, she said. 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 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 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. He has a daughter named Ryan. Afterwards, Schaufeld said Wallace told him never to say anything; it would be bad for both of their careers. Michael Joseph Meismer, 61 of Baytown, passed away on April 21, 2016. He was born on 1986 in Budapest, Hungary which I didnt know how inappropriate that was.. 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. 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. Sexual abuse pervades the dance world, according to child advocates and industry leaders. 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. I was definitely inappropriate myself in a lot of ways, he told his staff. 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. Mark Meismer hails from Lakewood, California, United States. And five dancers are suing former Boston Ballet star Dusty Button and her husband, alleging sexual abuse and assault. But at Meismers house, they didnt discuss work. 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. Gabriel who has performed with Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Beyonc and more was recently removed from the JUMP faculty. 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.. The recent allegations against BTF events (jump, nuvo, tda, Break the Floors reach extends across the entertainment industry to some of the biggest names in music, television and social media. 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.. 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. I took the word of this choreographer, and thought he was helping me build a dance career. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. One staff member said Stroming showed him a nude photo of one of the students. 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. 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. I was definitely inappropriate myself in a lot of ways, he told his staff. He was a teen in 2004, assisting a successful tap dancer named Danny Wallace. But he was uncomfortable when a dance teacher, Mark Meismer, in his early 30s, repeatedly told him how attractive he was. 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. 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. 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. We will continue to update details on Mark Meismers family. Hudson said he was optimistic: This might just be his lucky break into professional dance. This might just be his lucky break into professional dance. He stopped eating and sleeping, and suffered from panic attacks, he says. 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.. And whats egregious about seeing it in the context of conventions is that it happens to kids. It was my church, he said, but now the whole dance scene feels dirty and tainted. (AP Photo/John Minchillo). 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. His biggest accomplishment and proudest achievement are being a dad to his beautiful daughter Ryan. The dance world, its not like its different than any other world, its just that theyve been able to keep their secrets longer.. The Stars prior investigation uncovered allegations that Lazzarini had subjected at least six dancers to unwanted sexual advances at Break the Floor events. 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. The next day Meismer was removed from NUVOs website and abruptly left the tour. But the secret ate away at him. 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. 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. Meismer didnt respond to repeated requests for comment. On planes, Meismer would grope him in his seat, Hudson alleges. 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). Thats what Gary Schaufeld says happened to him. They return in Clash of the Chloes, an episode named after her daughter Chloe, and Christi 's competing daughter also named Chloe. 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. This might just be his lucky break into professional dance. I was frozen in my own skin, I didnt know what to do, Schaufeld said. Hudson said he was optimistic. 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. His mental health deteriorated. Subscribe. This might just be his lucky break into professional dance. A third said he and Lazzarini exchanged nude photos when he was 17. 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). 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. Professional dancers suffer a wide swath of sexual predation from irritating flirtation to full-out devastating attacks. One said Lazzarini groped him through a hole in his pants. 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 Star revealed allegations of widespread sexual harassment and predatory behavior by Break the Floor instructors. And so Schaufeld stayed quiet. He stopped eating and sleeping, and suffered from panic attacks, he said. His mental health deteriorated. Meismer shushed him, he remembers, warning that someone was asleep in a nearby room. Maples mother, however, told the news organizations that she saw the photos when they appeared on shared photo albums on their familys home computer. Mark was born in Lakewood, California, but raised in Cerritos one of Gabriel who has performed with Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Beyonc and more was recently removed from the JUMP faculty. 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. Stroming declined repeated interview requests. 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. Button taught at Radix conventions. We've received your submission. His picture and profile disappeared from the website, though there was no formal announcement of his departure. 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. WebIn dance studios, Hudson says Meismer would guide him into bathroom stalls for oral sex. And whats egregious about seeing it in the context of conventions is that it happens to kids. She says she didnt attend any auditions, and returned home devastated. In dance studios, Hudson says Meismer would guide him into bathroom stalls for oral sex. 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.. Meismer allegedly asked the young dancer, then 17, to come to his home. 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. Facts. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Six 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. 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. That night, they had sex in his apartment. 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 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. But at Meismers house, they didnt discuss work. And whats egregious about seeing it in the context of conventions is that it happens to kids. After The AP and the Star havent seen these messages because Maples said theyd been deleted. A Toronto-born teen alleged a famous choreographer propositioned her for sex just hours after judging her at a 2012 Break the Floor convention. 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. In his first 10 days as CEO, he said four people were let go.. This story was reported in partnership with the Toronto Star. Hudson said he was optimistic. 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. 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. 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The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Seven sources say they saw Stroming interact with students in ways that appeared intimate and inappropriate. He said he must have passed out and has no recollection of sending the text. The AP and the Star havent seen these messages because Maples said theyd been deleted. 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. The next morning, Stroming left abruptly for Las Vegas and handed her $40 for a cab ride back to the airport. It was her first year in their junior women's category. To surprise him, Hudson said Meismer would buy them matching outfits. 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. 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. 25-Apr-2023. Seven sources say they saw Stroming interact with students in ways that appeared intimate and inappropriate. But during a 2020 in-house training, a recording of which was reviewed by the AP and Star, Stroming addressed his own past misconduct. Kristyn chats with the hottest dancers and choreographers in the TV and film. Break the Floor helped launch his career, but an alleged assault by one of its star dancers continues to haunt him. 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. 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. At her first company event, when she was 17, she and Stroming had oral sex, she said. But during a 2020 in-house training, a recording of which was reviewed by the AP and Star, Stroming addressed his own past misconduct. 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.. Meismer asked the young dancer, then 17, to come to his home. 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. On planes, Meismer would grope him in his seat, Hudson alleges. WebThe studio of focus on Dance Moms Miami was stars dance studio, this was also Bradys studio before joining ALDC. Lilli Maples had taken classes with Gabriel since she was 10 years old. RAEFORD - Mrs. Etta Mae Barnes Meismer, 75, of 2851 Lindsay Road, passed away Friday, June 26, 2009, in her 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. 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. He has over 576k followers on He stopped eating and sleeping, and suffered from panic attacks, he said. 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. Web1.9m Followers, 359 Following, 3,362 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Mark Meismer (@markmeismer) I just didnt know myself enough to understand how harmful it was, Hudson said. The next day Meismer was removed from NUVOs website and abruptly left the tour. But during a 2020 in-house training, a recording of which was reviewed by the AP and Star, Stroming addressed his own past misconduct. She says she didnt attend any auditions, and returned home devastated. 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. (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. It was my church, he said, but now the whole dance scene feels dirty and tainted. (AP Photo/John Minchillo), Gary Schaufeld stands for a portrait at his home, Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022, in Port Jefferson, N.Y. (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. He referred reporters to his lawyer, who didnt respond. In dance studios, Hudson says Meismer would guide him into bathroom stalls for oral sex. Thats what Gary Schaufeld says happened to him. 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. In his first 10 days as CEO, he said four people were let go.. Break the Floors reach extends across the entertainment industry to some of the biggest names in music, television and social media. I was frozen in my own skin, I didnt know what to do, Schaufeld said. One staff member said Stroming showed him a nude photo of one of the students. Hamilton also said perpetrators in many youth-focused organizations use hotel rooms away from home to exploit the power imbalance between teachers and students. Mark has choreographed for the TV shows: Scrubs, Dancing with the Stars, and The George Lopez Show. Break the Floors reach extends across the entertainment industry to some of the biggest names in music, television and social media. Dancers Whisper. A year later, Hudson stayed with Meismer when he joined Break The Floors fledgling NUVO convention as part of its original lineup of instructors. 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. WebMark also added the title of Artistic Director to his resume when he started his own Dance Company: Evolution. 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. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. At least four people removed from Break The Floor for alleged misconduct have continued to work around kids in other settings.