CDS are committed to creating a respectful, inclusive space where everyone feels welcome. We ask that all staff, artists and visitors are accountable for their actions and abide by these guidelines. CDS recognises that we cannot always prevent harm from happening in our studios. If you’d like to speak to someone about an incident, you can visit us in the office, call us on 020 8981 6617 or contact our Director on director@chisenhaledancespace.co.uk to initiate a conversation. If you would like to formally report an incident, please see our Complaints Policy and Procedure for more information.

1. CDS does not tolerate any behaviour or language that may have an oppressive impact on others including racism, colourism, ableism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, misogyny, classism, ageism, xenophobia, and fatphobia.
2. CDS supports people of all genders and gender expressions. We expect everyone to respect people’s pronouns, names, and identities. If you are unsure, respectfully ask.
3. CDS invites all visitors to feel at home in our spaces and to leave them as they would wish to find them. By taking care of our imperfect building together, we can continue to share our resources to benefit all.
4. CDS advocates for enthusiastic consent: any physical or social contact should be agreed without manipulation, threats, or coercion. We empower anyone to remove themselves from any conversation or rehearsal at any time.
5. CDS expects visitors to be mindful of the impact of what they say, and not just their intent. Words and tone matter, and just because you don’t mean to cause harm, does not mean that harm has not been done.
6. CDS understands that we all are always learning. If you have said or done something offensive or harmful, apologise, and reflect on what you can do differently after leaving the space.
7. CDS expects those leading rehearsals or activities in our spaces, including choreographers, teachers and directors, to take responsibility for working ethically and inclusively.

Definition of a Booking

A booking is defined as the entire period listed on a single booking confirmation form and its corresponding invoice. One form plus one invoice equals one booking, even if the booking covers multiple dates.

Payment Requirements

A booking is confirmed once the booking confirmation form is submitted and an invoice has been issued.

For bookings more than 2 weeks before the start date:

• A 20% non‑refundable deposit is due at confirmation.
• Full payment is due 2 weeks before the first date of your booking.

For bookings starting within 2 weeks:

• Full payment is due immediately at confirmation.

Late Payment

If full payment is not received by the 2‑week deadline:

• You will not receive access information. Access information is sent via email to the main hirer within 7 days of the booking start date.
• You will not be permitted to use the space, even if you arrive unless full payment is made.
• Full payment remains due in line with the cancellation terms.
• You will be banned from making future bookings at CDS until payment is made.
• If the 20% deposit is owed but unpaid, it must still be paid against the original invoice.

Cancellation Rules

CDS does not offer free cancellations. Once a booking is confirmed, the full cancellation policy below applies. All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to spacehire@chisenhaledancespace.co.uk.

Bookings starting within 2 weeks

• No refunds, amendments, or transfers are available. Full payment remains due even if you cancel.

Bookings more than 2 weeks away

• If only the deposit has been paid:
  • The 20% deposit remains due, even if unpaid at the time of cancellation.
• If full payment has been made:
  • You may request an 80% refund, or
  • You may transfer your booking to a future date.
    • The new date must be confirmed at the time of cancellation.
    • Bookings can only be transferred once.
    • CDS does not offer credit for future use.
    • The 20% deposit is always non‑refundable.

CDS does not charge an admin fee for processing transfers.

Force Majeure and CDS‑Initiated Cancellations

CDS will endeavour to avoid cancellations once bookings are confirmed and paid for. However, CDS may cancel a booking if the hired space becomes unusable due to:

• Mechanical breakdown
• Fire
• Flooding
• Explosion
• Strike
• Any other unforeseen act

If CDS must cancel due to building closure or force majeure:

• CDS will offer a refund or transfer, even if outside normal policy.
• CDS cannot guarantee accommodations for last‑minute changes but will consider extenuating circumstances where possible.
• Hirers should contact spacehire@chisenhaledancespace.co.uk to discuss.

Booking Times

Access to your booked studio is restricted to your agreed booking times. All set‑up and pack‑away must take place within the hours you have booked.

If you overstay your booking during staffed hours, you will be charged pro‑rata at the hourly rate, rounded to the nearest 15 minutes.

If you overstay during unstaffed hours, you will be charged at the hourly rate rounded to the nearest full hour. For example, an overstay of 15 minutes will incur an additional hour’s charge. Failure to pay these charges will result in a booking ban.

Bookings must be made in 1‑hour increments, with each session starting and ending on the hour. CDS does not offer bookings of 30 minutes, 90 minutes, or other non‑hourly durations.

For further information on booking time restrictions, please contact spacehire@chisenhaledancespace.co.uk.

For bookings that finish at our closing times (9pm on weekdays, 7pm on Saturdays, 6pm on Sundays), you must vacate the studios by the end of your booking and vacate the building within 30 minutes.

Access Information

A door code will be provided in advance of your booking via email to the main hirer. This code will be sent within 7 days of your booking start date and will be active 30 minutes before and after your booking time. This allows access to the Communal Lounge 30 minutes before your booking, but access to the studio itself begins strictly at your allotted start time.

The door code grants entry to both the outside entrance and the upstairs door. You are responsible for sharing the code with others in your booking. Doors must not be propped open at any time, as they are fire doors.

Separate codes will be issued for each date if multiple bookings are made. For bookings on consecutive days, CDS will aim to provide one code for the entire booking, but this cannot be guaranteed.

Sound Policy

To protect our relationship with neighbours and ensure ongoing community harmony, the following sound restrictions apply to all studio hires:

• No amplified sound is permitted past 9:00pm.
• The building must be vacated by 9:30pm.
• All sound‑related activity, including rehearsals, checks, and pack‑down, must conclude before the 9:00pm cutoff.

These restrictions do not apply to CDS‑staffed events, including hires where a CDS technician is present.

Non‑compliance may result in future bookings being cancelled or hirers being removed from our hirer list.

These measures are in place in direct response to noise complaints from our neighbours. As part of our commitment to being respectful tenants and good community members, we ask hirers to adhere strictly to these time limits.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a respectful and welcoming environment for everyone.

Storage

You may leave items overnight in our Work Room for £5 per night. This room is regularly accessed throughout the day, and CDS takes no responsibility for any items that are lost or damaged.

No items may be stored in the studios at any time. Studios must be fully cleared by the end of your booking, including all personal belongings, equipment, and materials.

Communal Areas and Resources

Unless explicitly booked and paid for, resources in our studios are communal and available on a first‑come, first‑served basis. This includes mirrors, yoga mats, tables, and chairs.

Our Lounge area is shared among all hirers and CDS staff. This includes the kitchen, sofas, toilets, and other communal facilities. Hirers must ensure these areas remain accessible to everyone and may not occupy or block shared spaces in a way that prevents others from using them.

It is your responsibility to return any items you use to their original location and to report any issues to CDS staff in person or via email.

Maintaining our Studios

Hirers must leave all studios and communal areas clean and tidy at the end of their booking. This includes closing windows, turning off lights, returning any moved items to their original location, and cleaning any dishes used in the kitchen.

Any unsatisfactory conditions left by prior hirers should be reported to CDS staff via email at spacehire@chisenhaledancespace.co.uk.

Hirers are responsible for any damage caused to CDS property, including equipment, furniture, fixtures, and studio surfaces. Extra cleaning or repair costs resulting from your booking may incur additional charges.

Technical Resources

Any use of CDS technical equipment beyond the PA system requires prior written permission. Hirers may not access the tech booth, theatrical lighting rig, or any advanced technical resources without booking the Performance Package.

Unauthorised technical use (including accessing restricted technical areas or using technical equipment without permission) may result in a ban on future hires and the hirer being charged the full Performance Package fee.

Use of haze or smoke must be pre‑agreed in writing and may only occur when a CDS staff member or CDS technician is present. Unauthorised use will result in the hirer being charged the full Performance Package fee and may result in a ban on future hires. 

By hiring our studios, you agree to follow the protocols below. These ensure the safety, comfort, and fair use of the building for all hirers, staff, and visitors.

Conduct in the Building

Hirers must behave respectfully toward CDS staff, other hirers, and neighbours. Activities must not endanger anyone in the building or cause disruption to others.

Footwear

Studio floors must be protected at all times.

• Outside shoes may not be worn unless cleaned before entering the studios.

Hard‑soled dance shoes (including tap, flamenco, and similar styles) are not permitted.

• Inappropriate footwear may result in cleaning or repair charges.

Personal Belongings

Personal items may not be left in studios or communal areas unless pre‑approved by CDS staff. All belongings must be removed at the end of your booking.

Food and Drink

Only bottled drinks are permitted inside the studios.

Food and other drinks may be consumed in communal areas.

Wi‑Fi

Free Wi‑Fi is available in communal areas. Login details are displayed on signage throughout the building.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited inside the building and near fire exits.

A designated smoking area is located at the front of the building.

Access Requirements

Hirers with specific access needs are encouraged to review our Visit page and contact spacehire@chisenhaledancespace.co.uk in advance.

Safeguarding

If your booking involves children, young people, or vulnerable adults:

• You must have a Safeguarding Policy in place and provide a copy upon request.
• Children under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
• For groups under 16, CDS requires a minimum ratio of 1 adult per 10 children.
• Children must be supervised in all areas of the building outside of class or rehearsal.

Filming and Photography

All filming and photography must respect CDS’s Accountable Space Principles.

Commercial filming or photography requires prior permission.

General Safety

Hirers must ensure no activity takes place that could endanger themselves or others.

Higher‑risk activities may require a Risk Assessment and appropriate liability insurance submitted in advance.

First Aid

A First Aid kit is available in each studio and outside the office.

All accidents, incidents, or near misses—no matter how minor—must be reported immediately to CDS staff or via WhatsApp at 020 8981 6617.

Serious injury or illness requires calling 999.

Emergency Contacts

• Address: Chisenhale Dance Space, 64–84 Chisenhale Road, London E3 5QZ
• WhatsApp Message (fastest): 020 8981 6617
• Office: 020 8191 0305

Fire Safety

Fire exits include the main staircase and the external fire escape from the Performance Studio. These must remain unobstructed at all times.

If you discover a fire:

• Call 999 and provide the building address.
• Evacuate immediately via the nearest exit.
• Proceed to the assembly point at the school gates on Chisenhale Road.
• Do not attempt to extinguish the fire or re‑enter the building until instructed by emergency services.

If you hear the fire alarm:

• Evacuate immediately.
• Go to the assembly point.

Do not re‑enter until emergency services confirm it is safe.

• Note: A weekly fire alarm test occurs every Thursday around 10am. If the alarm lasts longer than 10 seconds or occurs outside this time, evacuate.

Gas Emergency

If you smell gas, suspect a leak, or hear a carbon monoxide alarm, call National Grid: 0800 111 999.