Privacy Policy

Dance First Privacy Policy

Last updated: June 2026

1. Introduction

Dance First is committed to protecting and respecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect personal data when you visit our website at www.dancefirst.co.uk, enrol in our classes, or otherwise interact with us.

We comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

For the purposes of data protection law, Dance First is the data controller responsible for your personal data.

If you have any questions about this policy or how we handle your data, you can contact us at:
info@dancefirst.co.uk
Registered Address: 43 Friends’ Road, Croydon CR0 1ED

2. How we collect information about you

We collect personal data in the following ways:

Information you provide to us

When you:

  • Register or enrol in classes

  • Complete contact or enquiry forms

  • Communicate with us by email, phone, post, or in person

  • Attend events or performances

We may collect:

  • Parent/guardian name and contact details

  • Child’s name, date of birth, and school

  • Address, email, and phone number

  • Emergency contact details and next of kin

  • Medical and health information relevant to participation

  • Special educational needs or support requirements

  • Attendance records and performance/exam results

  • Financial and payment information

  • Correspondence records

If you provide information about another person (for example your child), you confirm you have the authority to do so.

Information we collect automatically

When you use our website, we may collect:

  • IP address

  • Browser type and device information

  • Usage data (pages visited, time spent, navigation behaviour)

This information is used for security, analytics, and improving our website. It does not directly identify you.

Cookies

Our website uses cookies to:

  • Ensure the website functions properly (essential cookies)

  • Understand how visitors use our site (analytics cookies)

  • Improve user experience

You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings. Some cookies are essential for the website to function and cannot be disabled.

Where required, we will obtain your consent before placing non-essential cookies.

3. How we use your information

We only use personal data where we have a lawful basis under UK GDPR.

(a) Contract

We use your data to:

  • Enrol students and manage class bookings

  • Deliver dance classes and related services

  • Communicate essential service information

(b) Legal obligation

We use data to:

  • Comply with safeguarding requirements

  • Meet accounting and tax obligations (e.g. HMRC)

  • Record and report incidents where required by law

(c) Legitimate interests

We may use data to:

  • Improve our services and operations

  • Manage administration efficiently

  • Understand engagement with our communications

  • Promote relevant services (where appropriate and not overridden by your rights)

(d) Consent

Where required, we use consent to:

  • Send marketing emails about events, classes, and opportunities

  • Use photographs or video footage for promotional purposes

  • Share optional updates or newsletters

You may withdraw consent at any time.

4. Photographs and video

We may take photographs or video recordings during classes, rehearsals, or events.

We will:

  • Request consent before using images for marketing or public use

  • Clearly notify parents/guardians when filming or photography is taking place

  • Only use images in line with the consent provided

5. How we share your information

We do not sell your personal data.

We may share data with trusted third parties where necessary, including:

  • Professional advisers (e.g. accountants, insurers, legal advisors)

  • Payment processors

  • IT and system providers (e.g. email or website hosting)

  • Regulatory or safeguarding authorities (e.g. HMRC, local authority, police where required)

  • Dance examination bodies (e.g. Royal Academy of Dance, ISTD)

All third parties are required to handle your data securely and in compliance with data protection law.

6. Data retention

We only keep personal data for as long as necessary.

Typical retention periods:

  • Student records: kept while actively enrolled and up to 6 years after leaving

  • Financial records: 6 years (legal requirement)

  • Safeguarding records: retained in accordance with safeguarding guidance and legal obligations

  • Marketing data: kept until you withdraw consent or unsubscribe

  • Enquiry data: typically up to 12 months if no further engagement occurs

When data is no longer required, it is securely deleted or anonymised.

7. Your rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal data

  • Request correction of inaccurate data

  • Request deletion of your data (where applicable)

  • Restrict or object to processing

  • Withdraw consent at any time (for consent-based processing)

  • Request data portability (where applicable)

  • Lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

ICO website: https://www.ico.org.uk

To exercise your rights, contact: info@dancefirst.co.uk

8. Data security

We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data, including:

  • Access controls limiting data access to authorised staff only

  • Secure systems for storing personal information

  • Staff awareness and training on data protection

  • Measures to prevent unauthorised access, loss, or misuse of data

While we take reasonable steps to protect your data, no system can be guaranteed 100% secure.

9. International transfers

Some of our service providers (such as email or cloud storage providers) may store or process data outside the UK.

Where this occurs, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as:

  • UK adequacy regulations, or

  • Standard Contractual Clauses approved under UK GDPR

10. Children’s data

We process children’s personal data in order to provide dance education services.

We rely on parental or guardian consent and/or contractual necessity to process this data. We only collect information necessary to deliver safe and effective teaching and safeguarding.

Medical information is collected only where relevant to the child’s participation and welfare.

11. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any updates will be posted on our website. Continued use of our services after changes are published indicates acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, please contact:

Dance First
Email: info@dancefirst.co.uk
Address: 43 Friends’ Road, Croydon CR0 1ED

If you are not satisfied with our response, you also have the right to complain to the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).