Pensioner with brain disease says she was asked to leave Salsa class
A WOMAN who suffers from the hereditary brain disease Huntington's claims she has been asked to leave her Salsa dancing class.
Susan Bennett, who lives in Plymstock, said she has been requested to leave the Salso Vida class, which is held every Thursday night at The Staddy in Staddiscombe.
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The 64-year-old said she is devastated because she has friends in the class and the exercise is also good for her.
Ms Bennett was diagnosed with Huntington's Disease 15 years ago. It is hereditary and runs in her family. It affects muscle co-ordination and leads to cognitive decline and dementia — and Mrs Bennett's motor skills and co-ordination have already been seriously affected.
But she said the dance class helps her motor skills and also gives her a few hours of enjoyment each week, dancing to music she loves. She said: "I used to go to square dancing for 30 years, but when I started at the Salsa class 15 months ago I was really happy with it.
"I love dancing and I really enjoy the classes.
"But I like dancing and I like the club. I don't want to leave."
Ms Bennett pays £8 every week for the class.
She said she could hire a carer who could dance with her at the back of the room so she doesn't inconvenience any of the other dancers — but she does not yet know whether that would be a viable move.
She said: "I have made lots of friends at the group. I am really upset and gutted. I just want them to let me dance."
Daughter Joanne Bennett, 32, said: "My mum loves the class. She won't get in anyone's way.
"It isn't like there are many other dance classes in Plymstock. Mum doesn't want to start looking for others — she likes this one."
Jon Day, owner of Salsa Vida, declined to comment.
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by Salsa beginner plymouth, Plymouth
Friday, July 30 2010, 4:59PM
“We go to this class, Salsa is quite fast paced with lots of turns and requires good balance. It is not a pastime for anyone with mobility or balance problems as it could be quite dangerous. Having seen Sue nearly fall and stumble recently, in my opinion Jon had no choice than to say something. Jon could have continued to take Sue's money but with her worsening condition it would be unsafe for her to continue. She is a lovely person and there are plenty of less intense dance classes, such as line dancing, that would be far better suited to Sue. I feel the article was grossly exaggerated and one sided.”
by Sophie Butland, Plymouth
Friday, July 30 2010, 9:27AM
“This just goes to show how ignorant a lot of people are about this type of illness. My good friend sadly lost her father to this awful illness several years ago, after a long 15 years of suffering. At that time, the disease was relatively unheard of and I would have hoped that in the last decade that awareness would have increased and that people may have learnt to be more tolerant of people with any illness. You wouldn't hear of cancer patients being treated like this, so why should this poor lady be treated this badly?
The owners should be ashamed.”
by demportboy, plymouth
Friday, July 30 2010, 6:45AM
“"I just object to people commenting with default outrage about things they clearly do not understand."
"If you are going to try an argue a point then you could at least know what your are arguing about..."
oh Boris you do make me laugh!!!”
by Rick O'Shay, zog
Thursday, July 29 2010, 10:23PM
“Boris quote:
"How would you feel if I asked your wife out for a date whilst you were stood at the other side of the room? "
I would be shocked and outraged.
She went out to get some milk 5 years ago and I haven't seen her since.”
by Mick, Barbican
Thursday, July 29 2010, 9:57PM
“Quote- "Owner Jon Day declined to comment"
It's pretty obvious what happened, she was disruptive and members complained, so he had to ban her.
I mean he wouldn't ban her for no reason would he?”