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 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 2018, 14 years after the incident, he decided to tell his family, and confront tap dancer Danny Wallace directly. 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. Lawyers for Saradpon and the Buttons didnt respond to requests for comment. 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. 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. 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. Alumni and faculty have danced on stage with Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift, at the Oscars and the Super Bowl. His picture and profile disappeared from the website, though there was no formal announcement of his departure. Stroming was three years older, she said, a magnetic 19-year-old running the whole show. Mark Meismer Wiki, Age, Height, Career, Facts, and more - Stark 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. A year later, Hudson stayed with Meismer when he joined Break The Floors fledgling NUVO convention as part of its original lineup of instructors. Lilli Maples had taken classes with Gabriel since she was 10 years old. At least four people removed from Break The Floor for alleged misconduct have continued to work around kids in other settings. Still, he accepted a sought-after opportunity to assist Meismer as they toured various studios and conventions together. Gabriel who has performed with Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Beyonc and more was recently removed from the JUMP faculty. 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. That conclusion 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 was born in Lakewood, California, but raised in Cerritos one of three siblings. Former Break The Floor instructors have been accused of abusing young dancers in other settings. Earlier this year, after Geyser took the helm as CEO, Break The Floor published a new code of conduct. Choreography by Mark Meismer Watch more 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. 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. Web820K views 4 years ago. Hamilton also said perpetrators in many youth-focused organizations use hotel rooms away from home to exploit the power imbalance between teachers and students. Meismer Meismer asked the young dancer, then 17, to come to his home. But at Meismers house, they didnt discuss work. 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. At 16, Hudson looked forward to the festive weekend gatherings. He was born on June 19, 1973 and his birthplace is Lakewood, CA. 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. Mark Since 1846, AP has been covering the worlds biggest news events, committed to the highest standards of objective, accurate journalism. (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. Former Break The Floor instructors have been accused of abusing young dancers in other settings. Lawyers for Saradpon and the Buttons didnt respond to requests for comment. Gabriel who has performed with Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Beyonc and more was recently removed from the JUMP faculty. Weba genuine prodigy. She says she didnt attend any auditions, and returned home devastated. 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.. An Ottawa dancer working as an assistant for the company said the same choreographer groped him in public. 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. Maples mother, however, told the news organizations that she saw the photos when they appeared on shared photo albums on their familys home computer. Nowhere in the world of education should students feel they are underneath the predators, he 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. His representatives at the MSA Agency also said they had no comment on his behalf. At her first company event, when she was 17, she and Stroming had oral sex, she said. Break the Floor helped launch his career, but an alleged assault by one of its star dancers continues to haunt him. Meismer started his acting career landing roles in films, such as the Elijah Wood 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. The company was launched 22 years ago by a charismatic dancer, Gil Stroming, who came to fame in the 1990s, performing in the off-Broadway show Tap Dogs, described in The New York Times as a beefcake tap-a-thon.. Stroming picked up Lazzarini at the height of his fame to join the convention circuit, teaching hundreds of thousands of aspiring young dancers. Mega dance competition company bred culture of sex, silence, 25-Apr-2023. 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 dance studios, Hudson says Meismer would guide him into bathroom stalls for oral sex. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 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. Each of them has since left the company amid allegations of sexual misconduct. WebThe studio of focus on Dance Moms Miami was stars dance studio, this was also Bradys studio before joining ALDC. (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 graduated from Sterling High School and Lee College in Baytown. 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 took the word of this choreographer, and thought he was helping me build a dance career. (AP Photo/John Minchillo). 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). According to some wiki sources, Mark Mester celebrates his birthday on 27 December to supportive parents. Im not a monster but I feel like one, Wallace wrote, adding that he has a lot of hazy memories and a huge list of regrets/mistakes from that time period. The 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. 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. 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. WebIn dance studios, Hudson says Meismer would guide him into bathroom stalls for oral sex. 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. 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.. Hamilton also said perpetrators in many youth-focused organizations use hotel rooms away from home to exploit the power imbalance between teachers and students. Dancers say leading company bred culture of sex, silence - The At least four people removed from Break The Floor for alleged misconduct have continued to work around kids in other settings. 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. 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). Hudson alleges Meismer pushed him against a wall and performed oral sex on him. Stroming declined repeated interview requests. however his biggest accomplishment and proudest achievement is being a dad to his beautiful daughter Ryan. Gabriel who has performed with Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Beyonc and more was recently removed from the JUMP faculty. That night, they had sex in his apartment. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. But the secret ate away at him. 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. Mark Meismer hails from Lakewood, California, United States. She was first seen at pyramid when Abby introduced her and her daughter, "Chloe N." 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. Mark Meismer grew up in Orange County, California where he trained for four years at the Orange County High School of the Arts. On planes, Meismer would grope him in his seat, Hudson alleges. Sexual abuse pervades the dance world, according to child advocates and industry leaders. I was frozen in my own skin, I didnt know what to do, Schaufeld said. 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. Sexual abuse pervades the dance world, according to child advocates and industry leaders. 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. WebOn Dance Moms Kim can briefly be seen in Abby Strikes Back, when her daughter impresses Abby at auditions. 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. Three of these dancers were under 18. He was a teen in 2004, assisting a successful tap dancer named Danny Wallace. Learn more about policies and standards in APs Statement of News Values and Principles. 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. WebMark Meismer. This might just be his lucky break into professional dance. I was definitely inappropriate myself in a lot of ways, he told his staff. WebMark Meismer is a famous Dancer. 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. But he was uncomfortable when a dance teacher, Mark Meismer, in his early 30s, repeatedly told him how attractive he was. Earlier this year, after Geyser took the helm as CEO, Break The Floor published a new code of conduct. 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. Break the Floor helped launch his career, but an alleged assault by one of its star dancers continues to haunt him. Thanks for contacting us. His representatives at the MSA Agency also said they had no comment on his behalf. 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. Stroming picked up Lazzarini at the height of his fame to join the convention circuit, teaching hundreds of thousands of aspiring young dancers. 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. One staff member said Stroming showed him a nude photo of one of the students. Meismer In the years that followed, Hudson said Meismer continued to pursue him for sex. And five dancers are suing former Boston Ballet star Dusty Button and her husband, alleging sexual abuse and assault. 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. On planes, Meismer would grope him in his seat, Hudson alleges. It was my church, he said, but now the whole dance scene feels dirty and tainted.. Afterwards, Schaufeld said Wallace told him never to say anything; it would be bad for both of their careers. This might just be his lucky break into professional dance. 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. After all, Meismer was already an icon; he had toured with Britney Spears, Madonna and Paula Abdul. 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. 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. Meismer shushed him, he remembers, warning that someone was asleep in a nearby room. Mark has been dancing professionally for nineteen years. Etta Mae Dees Barnes Meismer At least four people removed from Break the Floor for alleged misconduct have continued to work around kids in other settings. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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. Trash found along Outer Banks tied to Navy ship, park says He called me his convention boyfriend, recalled Hudson. 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..
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