The founder of Break the Floor, a prominent dance company besieged by widespread allegations of sexual misconduct against some of its famous instructors, said he is “passing the torch” to a new owner and stepping down as CEO.
Gil Stroming made the stunning announcement Thursday morning, as new allegations of inappropriate sexual behaviour against the dance company emerged on social media. He said the decision to sell was “purely coincidental.”
“I have been very upfront publicly and privately that when I first started the company at 19, over 20 years ago, there were issues of inappropriateness,” he wrote in a letter to studio owners and teachers, a copy of which was obtained by the Toronto Star.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
“I believe that we are doing more than most organizations to combat this head on. I understand we are the leader in the industry, therefore the main focus, and yes, I have the responsibility.”
The change comes after an October 2021 Toronto Star investigation found allegations of widespread sexual harassment and predatory behaviour by Break the Floor coaches over their younger students. Dancers alleged their complaints of inappropriate conduct had been dismissed by Stroming, letting the problem fester for years.
The investigation told the stories of eight former staff and students who allege BTF employees, famous in the dance world, initiated sexual conversations, propositioned them for sex, sent them nude photos, sexually harassed them at work or engaged in sexual relationships with them.
Stroming said the company has gone to great lengths in recent years to make Break the Floor a safe environment for its participants. He said he has “terminated numerous prominent people within the company” over concerns of inappropriate behaviour.
His brother, Jeff Stroming, Break the Floor’s chief production officer, and mother Jackie Stroming, known within the company as the “Chief Mom Officer,” were also removed from the Break the Floor website, and appear to no longer be a part of the management team.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
They did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
In his letter, Stroming said he has been “looking for the right person or company” to sell Break the Floor to for a few years, and the timing is coincidental.
“I am happy to announce that I am passing the torch to BTF’s new owner, Russell Geyser. Russell has had a long successful business career and I am confident he will bring a new passion and voice to the industry. Russell will be the company’s new CEO and I will serve as a Creative Advisor through the transition.”
Morgan Bocknek works on the Star’s Digital Desk, based in Toronto. She is also a Star contributor. Follow her on Twitter: @mobocks
Camp is an experience the lasts a lifetime that many kids don’t have access to.
With your support, the Toronto Star Fresh Air Fund provides opportunities for financially vulnerable children to ignite a lifelong love for adventure at camp. Above all, your kindness makes it happen.
