This studio is extremely racist, and I am writing this as a white woman who has witnessed it with my own eyes.
I usually take classes with my neighbor, who is African American, and I have repeatedly watched her be disregarded by multiple instructors. The most recent incident was the final straw. Her card was clearly flipped up to show that she needed help with adjustments. Before anyone tries to lie about that, yes, her card was up.
I watched the instructor go around the room helping and adjusting other students, but when they came near her, they would lower their head, avoid looking at her, and walk right past her so they could blatantly ignore her form. I was so frustrated and disgusted by what I was witnessing that I left the class early.
There is also no one at the studio to speak to directly because even the manager, Fiona, is racist. Again, I have seen it with my own eyes. This is not based on one misunderstanding or one bad interaction. I have watched this happen repeatedly with different members of the staff.
I told my neighbor that she should speak with a lawyer, and I sincerely hope she takes legal action against this studio. I am writing this in the hope that the owner sees it and finally does something, although I have serious doubts when so many members of the staff appear comfortable treating her this way.
I will not stay silent while watching a woman repeatedly ignored, disrespected, and treated differently from everyone around her.