Terms, conditions and FAQs

Please help us to run the studio space as smoothly as possible. Make sure that you arrive in plenty of time for your class. After class, please help to return equipment to the right place to keep the space tidy and to assist with turnaround times.

Bins are provided to clear away any rubbish. Make sure you leave with everything you came with; we are not responsible for items left behind.

Conduct

To keep the space fun, friendly and safe for everyone, we expect all participants to:

be excellent examples of personal and professional behaviour
be observant in watching for people in need of help
respect all instructors/external staff and their decisions
respect fellow participants
arrive on time for classes and be present for warm-up and cool-down activities
respect other people’s privacy, including personal space, contact details and photographing/filming.

We will not tolerate:

offensive comments and behaviour relating to gender, identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability, body size and appearance
sexual or otherwise inappropriate images, behaviour and language
inappropriate conversation, language and/or hateful speech
deliberate intimidation, stalking or following
harassing photography or recording
inappropriate or otherwise unwelcome physical contact or sexual attention
questions, comments or actions without empathy.

Feedback

As a community circus we want to ensure that every participant has an enjoyable and positive time. We welcome any feedback or suggestions.

If a concern needs to be dealt with immediately (for example, equipment, safety) please inform your instructor and ensure that the equipment is not used.

Payment terms

All sessions are non-refundable—unless cancelled by us, in which case we will notify you as soon as possible and refund you in full.

Participants who are more than 15 minutes late cannot join the class unless they have permission from the instructor. Participants who are late for, or do not join, the warm-up may be refused entry to the remainder of the class.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find Ampersand Circus?
We are based in Unit 2, Templar Parc, Cardiff CF24 5EW. From the magic roundabout, head along Ocean Way and take the first right-hand turn into East Moors Road. Turn left at the T-junction and we're on the right-hand side, directly after SSS Steel Profiles (look out for the signs for Boomerang). Unit 2 is straight in front once you're through the entrance gates.

What can I expect in a class?
You can expect a group warm-up, conditioning exercises, discipline-specific training and a group cool-down.

Do I need to be fit and flexible to start classes?
You do not need to have done previous exercise to start circus activities.

Is there an age limit?
Evening classes are suitable for people over the age of 16, but there is no upper age limit. It's never too late!

How much are classes?
You'll find class prices on our "Book classes" page; if you come to regular classes, it's cheaper to buy a multi-class pass.

What level is each class?
If you're new to us, please get in touch before booking and we can ensure you're in the right level/class.

What should I wear?
Most people choose to wear leggings, shorts and a vest or t-shirt. A leotard/unitard underneath can provide extra padding. Combat trousers, baggy clothes, shorts/trousers with pockets on the side of the leg are not suitable. Outdoor footwear is not permitted in the space.

Do you have car parking?
There is car parking inside the compound and additional on-street parking outside. Please car share if you can.

Is there public transport to the space?
Cardiff Bus routes 1 or 2 stop on Ocean Way. We are about 20 minutes' walk from both Cardiff Central station and Queen Street station. Please share travel where you can, even walking/cycling together.

Is there a toilet?
Yes, there is a unisex toilet with baby-changing facilities.

Do you have clothes changing facilities?
We don't have specific changing space, but there is plenty of room within the toilet cubicle if you are not able to arrive dressed ready for class. Please arrive in time if you need to change.

Do you sell merchandise?
We've partnered with Teemill to create our range of sustainable, print on demand merchandise produced using organic cotton, in a factory powered by renewable energy and delivered in plastic-free packaging. Check out our shop at ampersand-circus.teemill.com.

Do you sell refreshments?
Boomerang operates a tuck shop selling hot and cold drinks, crisps, chocolate and sweets. There is social time before and between classes to stop for refreshments and a chat. Remember to bring your reusable cup/bottle.

Can I take photographs during my class?
You are welcome to take photographs and/or video footage during your class (please check with your instructor that this is appropriate). If you wish to post any images or videos on social media please be mindful of others in the background of your footage and whether they are happy to be included.

Can my friend/partner/family come and watch me in my class?
We do not usually allow spectators during classes, but please check with us.

Safety

In order to ensure the space is a safe and fun space to train in it is important that everybody takes responsibility.

Ensure any accidents or incidents are reported to reception at the first opportunity.
If you have an accident you may be required to complete an accident report.
If someone bleeds on the equipment it will need to be cleaned and possibly quarantined. Please avoid working with cut hands or blisters so we can avoid quarantine.
Ice packs and first aid are available.
There must be at least two people in the training space if aerial work is taking place.
We reserve the right to exclude participants who appear to have been drinking or be under the influence of recreational drugs. This is a health and safety issue. (Where this happens, no refunds will be given.)
We reserve the right to exclude participants who break the code of conduct or behave in a dangerous manner.

Before you start training you will need to complete an emergency contact form and Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q+). You must declare all and any medical conditions upon registration and keep us up to date on any changes. All information is confidential.

Our instructors hold public liability insurance and enhanced DBS clearance.

Liability waiver

It is important to be aware that learning circus skills can carry the risk of injury. These risks cannot be eliminated without jeopardising the essential qualities of the activity. It is important that all present follow any instructions given by the instructor(s) at all times and do not misuse equipment in any way.

Ampersand are not responsible for any loss or injury occurring during, or resulting from, participation in our classes.

On commencing training with us, you acknowledge that participation in circus arts entails known and unanticipated risks that could result in physical or emotional injury, paralysis, death or damage to yourself, to property or to third parties.

The risks include slips and falls; falling from equipment; rope burns; pinches, scrapes, twists and jolts that could result in scratches, bruises, sprains, lacerations, fractures, concussions, or even more severe life-threatening hazards; strains, cuts, bruises, muscle soreness and fractures; musculoskeletal injuries including to head, neck, and back; injuries to internal organs; the negligence of other people; your own physical condition; and the risk of emotional and psychological injuries or physical damage associated with these activities.

In any event, any medical assistance will be at your own expense.

Instructors have difficult jobs to perform.

They seek safety, but they are not infallible.
They seek to know you but might be unaware of a participant’s fitness or abilities.
They might misjudge environmental conditions.
They may give incomplete warnings or instructions, and the equipment being used might malfunction.

By purchasing any classes, sessions, courses or workshops, you immediately agree to the following terms.

I expressly agree and promise to accept and assume all of the risks existing in this activity. My participation in this activity is purely voluntary, and I elect to participate in spite of the risks.
I hereby voluntarily release, forever discharge, and agree to indemnify and hold harmless Ampersand from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action, that are in any way connected with my participation in this activity or my use of Ampersand’s equipment or facilities, including any such claims that allege negligent acts or omissions of Ampersand.
Should Ampersand or anyone acting on their behalf, be required to incur legal fees and costs to enforce this agreement, I agree to indemnify and hold them harmless for all such fees and costs.
I agree to bear the costs of any injury or damage myself. I further certify that I am willing to assume the risk of any medical or physical condition I may have. All instructors are insured for public liability. However, this does not hold Ampersand accountable or liable for any acts of negligence, indecent behavior or non-compliance from clients in association with the instructors and against compliance with the space’s rules and waiver.
I agree that if any portion of this agreement is found to be void or unenforceable, the remaining document shall remain in full force and effect.
By accepting the terms of this document, I acknowledge that if anyone is hurt or property is damaged during my participation in this activity, I may be found by a court of law to have waived my right to maintain a lawsuit against Ampersand on the basis of any claim from which I have released them herein. I have had sufficient opportunity to read this entire document. I have read and understood it, and I agree to be bound by its terms.

Privacy

When you conduct a transaction on our website, as part of the process, we collect personal information you give us such as your name, address and email address. Your personal information will be used for the specific reasons stated above only.

Our company is hosted on the Wix.com platform. Wix.com provides us with the online platform that allows us to sell our products and services to you. Your data may be stored through Wix.com’s data storage, databases and general Wix.com applications. They store your data on secure servers behind a firewall.

Please see our full privacy policy.

If you have any questions at all please contact us at ampersandcircuswales@gmail.com.