David DeMarie Dance Studios

You are truly a DISGUSTING human being. You are too foolish to know this, but you just made a HUGE mistake and lost one of your STAR students.
Who discriminates against people with Down Syndrome in this day and age or calls them ‘retarded’?! Unbelievable.

Discriminates against children with Down’s Syndrome. Do not support this studio. The man who runs it is disrespectful to the parents of children with Down’s Syndrome. Their view on disabilities rivals their perception of customer service. Both are ancient. Did it really fail to cross your mind that the person you were talking to would post about it on Facebook? Come on.

Dear David Demarie Dance Studio,
I saw this online, and I’m hoping it’s not true. Could you please comment and let me know. Thank you.
*I removed last names, previous studios names, and the children’s names, because I do not personally know these people in this online post.
«Angry on behalf of Tricia*. She tried to register her children at David D Marie Dance School. They weren’t interested in her daughter who has Down Syndrome. Tricia said: «Something happened today to us that parents should NEVER have to go through. I called the owner (Lenny)of David D Marie Dance School to speak to him about possibly registering A* and C*. I told him A* has danced for 6 years– 2 at [Studio 1]* and most recently, 4 at [Studio 2]*. Then I told him she has Down syndrome. What he said next angered me to the core. He told me he has never, in the 46 years his studio has been in the business, had someone with problems like her, a retarded dancer. He went on to tell me that they would t be equipped to handle or manage her and that there are special schools of dance for her out there and she should go to them! Then he said, if they can handle her at [Studio 2]* you should be happy and leave her there. He asked me if she can keep up and I said yes, absolutely and her enthusiasm is contagious. He ended by saying I’m sorry and I feel bad for her and you. But it’s best if she doesn’t come here, now what about your other daughter is she disabled too!!! I hung up the Phone and started sobbing. I was angry. I called Amy* & of course Jay. Our Down Syndrome Parent Group has provided us with so much support through the years that I need to share this with you. For support and direction where to go with this next. Jay proceeded to call him and had another horrible phone call. Lenny told Jay that he allows people with learning disabilities like dyslexia at his studio because they can keep time. Jay told him that he couldn’t believe the level of discrimination & that he plans to contact the media. Lenny told Jay, «I have a good lawyer.»»
I don’t want to jump to conclusions. I’ve known your studio for years and would like to hear your side of what happened. Is it true that you won’t accept students that have Down Syndrome?
Thank you.