Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction & Scope

These Terms and Conditions apply to all adult Ballroom and Latin dance classes, private lessons, wedding dance choreography, and practice sessions provided by Carole Hellewell trading as Ballroom With Carole ("we", "us", "our").

By attending a class, booking private tuition, or attending a practice evening, you ("the student", "participant", "dancer") agree to be bound by these terms.

2. Class Schedule, Venues & Pricing

Our regular group classes run on Monday evenings at Victoria Halls:

• Venue: Victoria Halls, West Green Road, Hartley Wintney, Hook, Hampshire, RG27 8RQ.
• Beginners (Level 1): 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm.
• Improvers (Level 2): 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
• Fee: £9.00 per person, per class, payable on arrival.

Classes operate on a flexible drop-in basis; there is no compulsory upfront term fee or long-term contract required for group tuition.

3. Private Lessons & Wedding Dance Tuition

Private tuition is tailored individually around your schedule, experience level, and preferred dance styles or wedding choreography.

• Fees and session durations are agreed with Carole prior to confirmation.
• Lessons take place by appointment at Victoria Halls or an agreed local hall.

Cancellation Policy for Private Tuition

Because private lessons require dedicated instructor time and advance hall hire commitments, the following cancellation terms apply:

• More than 24 hours' notice: You may reschedule or cancel your lesson without charge.
• Less than 24 hours' notice: The full lesson fee remains payable to cover the committed instructor time and non-refundable venue hire.

4. Practice Evenings

Practice evenings are informal sessions run in association with Jude & Katie to provide dancers with additional floor time to practise in a relaxed setting.

• Sessions are held on an occasional basis rather than a fixed weekly schedule. Upcoming dates and venue arrangements are published on this website and announced via Carole's WhatsApp group.
• Solo practice is warmly welcomed; please note, however, that dance partners are not provided on the night.
• Practice evening enquiries should be directed to Jude on 07413 678040.

5. Health, Physical Activity & Medical Fitness

Ballroom and Latin dancing is an aerobic physical activity involving movement, balance, turns, and cardiovascular exercise.

• Participant Responsibility: You participate at your own risk. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are physically fit and capable of engaging in dance exercise.
• Medical Advice: If you suffer from a cardiovascular condition, joint or back injury, pregnancy, mobility impairment, or any condition that may affect your ability to exercise safely, you should consult a doctor before attending.
• Notification: Please inform the instructor before the session commences of any injury, physical limitation, or recent illness so that figures or routines may be appropriately adapted.
• Pacing: You are encouraged to dance at your own pace and take rest breaks whenever needed.

6. Footwear & Attire

To ensure safety on the dance floor and protect the hall surface:

• Recommended Footwear: Shoes with smooth leather or suede soles are strongly recommended to allow pivots, spins, and turns without excessive knee or ankle friction. Dedicated ballroom or Latin dance shoes are ideal.
• Unsuitable Footwear: Please avoid shoes with heavy rubber or high-grip soles (such as running trainers), which impede pivoting and increase the risk of knee twist. Stiletto heels that may mark or damage timber floors are strictly prohibited.
• Clothing: Comfortable, lightweight clothing that allows free movement is recommended.

7. Partner Arrangements

In our group classes, students are welcome to attend with a partner, with a friend, or on their own.

• Class helpers are on hand to support newcomers and partner where possible, but exclusive 1-to-1 partnership throughout every dance cannot be guaranteed.
• Part of learning involves independent step practice to develop balance and individual technique.

8. Code of Conduct & Venue Etiquette

We pride ourselves on providing a friendly, supportive, and courteous learning environment.

• All participants are expected to treat teachers, class helpers, venue staff, and fellow dancers with courtesy and mutual respect.
• Please observe floor craft and spatial awareness to avoid collisions with other couples.
• Drinks and open liquids must not be taken onto the timber dance floor.
• We reserve the right to refuse admission or request that an individual leave a session in the unlikely event of aggressive, unsafe, or disruptive conduct.

9. Personal Belongings & Valuables

Personal belongings brought to Victoria Halls or any other class venue remain the sole responsibility of the owner. Ballroom With Carole accepts no responsibility for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property.

10. Unforeseen Cancellations by the School

In the rare event that a class or session must be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, hall unavailability, or teacher illness:

• Announcements will be posted promptly on the website notice banner and communicated via Carole's WhatsApp group.
• No fees are charged for cancelled drop-in classes. For private lessons cancelled by us, your booking will be rescheduled to a mutually convenient date at no extra cost.

11. Limitation of Liability

Nothing in these terms excludes or limits our liability for death or personal injury caused by our proven negligence, or any other liability that cannot be excluded under English law.

Subject to the above, Ballroom With Carole shall not be liable for any indirect or consequential loss, or any loss resulting from pre-existing medical conditions or a participant's failure to follow safety guidance.

12. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms and Conditions, and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction.

13. Contact Details

If you have any questions regarding these terms, please contact:

Carole Hellewell
Ballroom With Carole
Victoria Halls, West Green Road, Hartley Wintney, Hook, Hampshire, RG27 8RQ
Telephone: 07891 707057
Email: carole@ballroomwithcarole.co.uk