Alchemy Dance Company is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful and professional environment for all students, teachers and guests.

This page outlines the policies that support our teaching standards, safeguarding responsibilities and community values.

 

• Safeguarding

• Code of Conduct

• Health & Safety

• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Statement

• Media & Photography

• Policy Reviews & Updates

• Complaints Procedure

 

Our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions are linked separately in the website footer.

 

 

Safeguarding

 

We believe everyone has the right to learn and dance in a space that feels safe and supportive.

Our safeguarding approach balances the social nature of partner dance with clear professional boundaries, so that both students and teachers can enjoy dancing together with confidence and respect.

 

A full Safeguarding Policy is in place, covering wellbeing, conduct, and reporting procedures.

If you ever have a safeguarding concern, please contact us confidentially at

📧 safeguarding@alchemydance.co.uk

 

The full Safeguarding Policy is available on request.

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Code of Conduct

Our Code of Conduct outlines the values that keep our dance community respectful, inclusive and enjoyable. It covers behaviour, boundaries and professional standards for both students and teachers.

Read our full Code of Conduct

 

 

Health and Safety

 

Although we hire professional dance studios and venues, we take active steps to ensure classes and events are conducted safely.

This includes maintaining risk assessments for all venues, ensuring first-aid provision, and promoting safe dance practice among staff and students.

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The full Health & Safety Policy is available on request.

 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

 

Alchemy Dance Company welcomes dancers of all backgrounds, identities and abilities.

We are committed to treating everyone with fairness and respect, and to creating an environment where all participants feel valued and supported.

 

We celebrate diversity within our dance community and actively challenge discrimination or exclusion in any form.

Our aim is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, dance and connect in a positive, inclusive space.

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Media & Photography Policy

 

Photography and filming are a normal and valued part of Alchemy Dance Company’s classes, workshops and social events.

Images and videos are used to celebrate our community and promote future activities.

 

By attending our classes or events, you consent to being included in general photos or videos unless you tell us otherwise.

If you prefer not to be photographed or filmed, please let a teacher, team member or photographer know and we’ll ensure you’re not featured in shared material.

 

Images may appear on our website, social media or promotional materials, always chosen to represent individuals and the company positively.

We do not sell or pass images to third parties, and will remove any photo or video on request.

 

Students and guests are welcome to take informal photos or short videos for personal memories, provided it’s done respectfully and without disrupting the class or event.

Filming of teaching content or choreography for wider use requires permission from the directors.

 

If you wish to opt out or request removal of an image, please contact:

📧 info@alchemydance.co.uk​

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Complaints Procedure

 

Alchemy Dance Company aims to handle all concerns and complaints fairly, promptly and respectfully.

We encourage open communication so that most issues can be resolved quickly and informally.

 

Where a concern cannot be resolved informally, this procedure explains how a formal complaint can be made and how it will be handled.

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1. Informal Resolution

Most issues arise from simple misunderstanding or miscommunication and can be quickly resolved.

Where possible, students are encouraged to raise concerns directly with their class teacher, or with Marchant or Davina Birch in person, by phone or by email.

We will listen carefully, discuss possible solutions and aim to resolve the issue informally.

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2. Formal Complaint

If the matter cannot be resolved informally, a formal complaint may be made in writing.

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How to make a complaint:

Email info@alchemydance.co.uk with the subject line Formal Complaint and include:

 

Your name and contact details

A clear description of the concern or incident

Relevant dates, people involved and any supporting information

The outcome you are seeking (if applicable)

 

Acknowledgement:

We will acknowledge receipt within five working days.

 

Investigation:

Both directors, Davina and Marchant Birch, will review the information, gather any necessary details, and provide a written response within 14 working days of acknowledgement.

All complaints are reviewed jointly to ensure the matter is handled fairly and appropriately.

Once a decision has been reached, it will be considered final.​

 

3. Confidentiality

All complaints are handled sensitively and in confidence. Information is shared only with those who need to be involved in resolving the matter or providing professional input.

Anonymous complaints will be recorded but may not always be possible to investigate.​

 

4. Safeguarding or Legal Concerns

If a complaint or incident involves a safeguarding concern or potential criminal matter, Alchemy Dance Company will refer it to the appropriate authority - such as the police or the local authority’s Adult Safeguarding Team.

All other complaints will be handled internally and confidentially.​

 

5. Review

This procedure is reviewed annually as part of Alchemy Dance Company’s policy review cycle, or sooner if significant changes occur.

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Policy Review and Updates

 

All policies are reviewed annually, or sooner if our operations or regulations change.

If you have any questions about our policies, please contact us at

info@alchemydance.co.uk

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